Study of the relationship between bats, wind turbines and forests

The SPW (DEMNA) has entrusted to Ecofirst a study in order to better understand the relationship between bats (and in particular the Greater Mouse-eared Bat) and wind turbines in or near forests. The contract is divided into 3 parts, 2 of which will be carried out jointly with CSD ingénieurs.

This study of bat activity and mortality on forest wind farms in Wallonia is structured as follows:

1. A study of the spatial use (including flight altitude) of the Greater Mouse-eared bat, using GPS tags.
2. The generation of presence probability maps for different bat species sensitive to wind turbines, using natural habitat modelling based on existing acoustic data.
3. An analysis of the risks associated with reducing the distance between the wind turbines and the forest edge, and between the blade tip and the vegetation.

Our expertise at the service of this project:

• Capture and telemetric survey of bats: P. Nyssen and JF. Godeau
• Fieldwork organization and external contacts: P. Nyssen
• GPS data analysis: JF. Godeau
• Literature review: P. Nyssen and JF. Godeau
• Cartographic and statistical analysis: JF. Godeau

For further information:

- (FR) Nyssen et al. 2023. Study of the spatio-temporal behaviour of greater-mouse eared bats thanks to GPS loggers, Final Report

- (FR) Godeau, J.-F. et Nyssen, P. 2023. Modelling natural habitats for forest bats based on existing acoustic data

- (FR) Casier et al. 2023. Risk analysis regarding the distance decrease between 1. the wind turbine mast and the forest edge and 2. the blade tip and the top of the vegetation

- (FR) Nyssen, P. et Godeau, J-F. 2024. How high do greater mouse-eared bat fly? The answer with the help of GPS tags! Echo des Rhinos 121