Common pipistrelle bats are attracted to wind turbines

Photo by Thomas Reaubourg on Unsplash - Fatal attraction: Research finds common pipistrelle bats are attracted to wind turbines - One of the most abundant bats in Europe may be attracted to wind turbines, according to a new study from the University of Sussex and the University of Exeter. The activity of common pipistrelle bats was monitored at 23 British wind farms and similar "control" locations close by without turbines. Activity was around a third higher at turbines than at control locations, and two thirds of occasions with high activity were recorded at turbines rather than the controls. Professor Fiona Mathews of the University of Sussex, who led the research, said: "Bat activity at wind farms is very variable. "During periods of high wind speed, when most energy is generated, bat activity is low and so there is little risk to bats. "In contrast, there can be high activity at turbines on nights with light winds and warm temperatures. "Most of the attraction to turbines appears to be happening on these high activity nights.