| Last update: 29.04.2010 |  |
www.mires-and-peat.net |
| Key title: Mires and Peat | ISSN 1819-754X | Abbreviated key title: Mires Peat |
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by J.W. Pearce-Higgins, L. Stephen, R.H.W. Langston and J.A. Bright
Published online: 31.05.2008
Summary
The distribution of golden plover across Scotland was modelled
using
land cover and management variables, and used to highlight the spatial
association between golden plover abundance and current and proposed
wind farm developments. Overlap was greatest in three biogeographical
zones (the Western Isles, the Western Central Belt and the Borders
Hills) and was estimated at ca. 5% of the biogeographical population in
each case. New field data were used to predict the effects of wind farm
development on golden plover populations, employing a conservative
analytical approach to detect statistically significant wind farm
related effects. The results provide evidence of significant avoidance
of wind turbines by breeding golden plovers to a distance of at least
200 metres. Furthermore, wind farm sites appear to support lower
densities of golden plover than predicted by the distribution model for
sites without wind farms. Therefore, there is evidence for negative
effects of wind farm developments on golden plover, and we suggest
strategies to reduce any potential conflict between the need to promote
wind energy and the need to maintain golden plover populations.
Pearce-Higgins, J.W., Stephen, L., Langston, R.H.W. & Bright, J.A. (2008): Assessing the cumulative impacts of wind farms on peatland birds: a case study of golden plover Pluvialis apricaria in Scotland. Mires and Peat 4: Art. 1. (Online: http://www.mires-and-peat.net/map04/map_04_01.htm)
IMCG and IPS acknowledge the work of the reviewers.
| Last update: 29.04.2010 | |
www.mires-and-peat.net |
| Key title: Mires and Peat | ISSN 1819-754X | Abbreviated key title: Mires Peat |