Some Species of Bats May Better Absorb Losses from Wind Turbines

West Virginia among the states where scientists are analyzing the genetics of bats killed by wind turbines. Scientists say some species may be better able to absorb losses than others.

David Nelson of the University of Maryland’s Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg said Thursday the study could help refine the siting of wind-power projects.

Researchers looked at two bat species found dead in roughly equal numbers beneath turbines in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. DNA analysis showed that the eastern red bat had a much larger breeding population than hoary bats.

Nelson says the study suggests that red bats may be better able to absorb wind-turbine deaths than hoary bats. Although neither species is considered endangered or threatened, Nelson says the findings suggest a need for greater concern about the rate at which hoary bats are being killed.