SBS Special Seminar 2014 - Manuela Huso

Date: 17 April 2014 Time: 1.00 pm

Manuela Huso, USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

presents

Measuring and Mitigating Wildlife Fatality at Wind-Power Facilities

Fatalities of birds and bats at some wind energy facilities have raised concerns about potential environmental effects of this rapidly expanding industry. How do we measure fatality of species ranging from hoary bats to harriers? How do we know if we have killed an endangered species when they are rare and so difficult to find?

Statisticians are developing models and tools to estimate direct fatality at wind farms to assess both local and cumulative effects of wind power development. In addition, scientists are studying the effects of altering blade speeds or use acoustic emissions to reduce bat fatality. USGS Research Statistician, Manuela Huso, will talk about the issues involved in accurately estimating fatality and how this approach is helping scientists and industry identify operational means of reducing fatality impacts of wind turbine.

All post-graduate and under-graduate students are welcome to attend!

For more information, please contact Dr Melanie McConnell on melanie.mccconnell@vuw.ac.nz