Long-term adaptive management of common kestrel mortality
At the Candeeiros Wind Power Plant.
monitoring
At the Candeeiros Wind Power Plant.
The challenge
The main challenge at the Candeeiros Wind Power Plant was to reduce common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) mortality associated with the operation of the wind farm while maintaining energy production and minimising potential impacts on the surrounding environment and the company’s reputation.
The species’ behaviour and use of the area meant that monitoring could not be limited to recording collision mortality alone. It was also necessary to investigate movement patterns, breeding activity, habitat use and population dynamics. Given the variability of ecological processes over time, a long-term monitoring approach was considered essential.
What was done
Ecological monitoring identified high levels of common kestrel collision mortality. A targeted conservation programme was developed in response.
Planting shrubs around the wind turbines made the areas immediately surrounding them less suitable for hunting, reducing exposure to collision risk.
A separate area away from the turbines was cleared to create open habitat suitable for hunting, directing kestrel activity away from the turbines.
Installed on pine trees to increase available nesting sites. Monitoring to date has recorded no occupation (0%), so the measure has not yet resulted in documented nesting use.
The results of the monitoring programme were used to continuously reassess the effectiveness of the measures implemented. This iterative process forms the basis of the project’s adaptive management approach.
Methods used
Outcome
Rather than implementing a fixed mitigation strategy, the management approach has evolved over time in response to monitoring results and the observed ecological response of the common kestrel. Mitigation and compensation measures have been reviewed and adjusted according to changes in mortality patterns, habitat use and other relevant ecological indicators.
The 21-year monitoring programme demonstrates the value of maintaining long-term environmental monitoring throughout the operational life of a wind power plant, and how conservation measures can be progressively refined to balance ecological objectives with the continued production of renewable energy.
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