Factor analysis of the Wind Farm LLC wind park (Donetsk region, Ukraine) impact on bats based on the index of their activity and dynamics of species diversity

Abstract

In 2019-2020, research on the vocal activity of bats was carried out on the territory of the Wind Farm LLC wind park (800 MW), which is planned to be built near Mariupol (Donetsk region, Ukraine). There were used three methods of material collection: research on the vantage points, on transects and at a stationary point throughout the night. The total number of registered voices is 1554 signals, 695 of which are recorded in 2019 and 859 in 2020. The article shows the dynamics of voice activity by seasons and phases of the life cycle. Based on the activity index of mice, the dynamics of this indicator by months is shown. Forage and migratory behaviour of bats, calculated by determining the index of their activity, shows the average values. An analysis of the territorial distribution shows that bats confined to settlements and open water bodies. The species composition of bats, identified for 1235 signals registered in the territory of the projected wind farm, is stable and represented by widespread at least 10 species belonging to 6 taxonomic ranks. There were revealed some wind turbine generators near which the implementation of minimization measures is required. In total, according to forecasts, there are 10-16 such wind turbine generators within the Wind Farm LLC wind park. Monitoring the state of bats in the project area both during the construction of the wind farm and its operation is mandatory for the development and implementation of measures to minimize the possible negative impact on bats.