Modeling the Spatial Distribution of Bat Habitat Using GIS An Application to Wind Energy Development

Tetra Tech EC Inc.

Monitoring studies have demonstrated that turbines at wind energy facilities are hazardous to bat populations, necessitating risk-minimization strategies. Collisions with turbine blades as well as sudden decompression of air pressure caused by spinning blades are sources of mortality for bats.

Effective risk-minimization strategies require an understanding of the potential distribution and movement of bats on the landscape. Using remote sensing and GIS software, Tetra Tech EC Inc. created a modeling approach, shown in this map, that evaluates the distribution of preferred roosting and foraging habitat, potential flights paths, and a density grid of foraging area for a hypothetical wind project in Arkansas.

Courtesy of Tetra Tech EC Inc. 2010.

Map Book Page [PDF]