Study on the Impact of Wind Turbines on the Development of Greater Mouse-eared Bat Colonies in Europe

This study focuses on analyzing the potential scaring effect of wind turbines on greater mouse-eared bats. The research approach aims to assess the impact of this scaring effect on greater mouse-eared bat populations. Based on the premise that we cannot scientifically rule out the possibility that wind turbines have an effect - that is, that they do indeed scare away bats under certain conditions, we seek to answer the question: “Does this phenomenon, if it exists, have consequences for the health of populations and the condition of individuals, their ability to reproduce, and their survival rates?”  We are working across temperate continental Europe (in the Atlantic and Continental biogeographic regions) by collecting long-term demographic monitoring data under varied conditions to study the impact of wind turbines on the health status of known colonies of large bats, in relation to local wind energy development.  We are comparing population trends in colonies located near versus far from wind turbines and before versus after the construction of the wind farm.

This study is part of the 2025 call for proposals from the “Un Vent de Nature” fund managed by the King Baudouin Foundation and will be completed in the spring of 2026.