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The Hindu
03-08-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
World's highest bird death rates at Thar Desert wind farms
In the first half of 2025, India added around 3.5 GW to the wind sector – an 82% year-on-year growth – taking the total installed capacity to 51.3 GW. Even so, India's wind power remains largely untapped. According to the National Institute of Wind Energy, India's gross wind power potential is 1163.9 GW at 150 m above ground level. At the Global Wind Day Conference in June, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi urged States to address land availability and transmission delays post-haste. India's ambitious climate goals and surging energy demands mean renewable energy development will continue to accelerate. Experts are concerned, however, that the addition of wind power capacity has been coming at the expense of avian welfare. Bird mortality at wind farms For years, researchers have raised concerns about the impact of wind turbines on fauna, particularly birds. A study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), published recently in Nature Scientific Reports, has estimated that bird mortality rates at wind farms are the highest in the world in India's Thar Desert. The study was conducted in a 3,000 sq. km desert landscape in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, home to around 900 wind turbines and 272 bird species, including the critically endangered great Indian bustard. Across seven multi-season surveys, WII researchers searched for bird carcasses within a 150-m radius of 90 randomly selected wind turbines and found 124. The estimated annual bird mortality per 1,000 sq. km came up to 4,464 birds after correcting for non-detection due to vegetation cover or carcass degradation during the survey and due to carcass scavenging before the survey. The researchers conducted similar surveys at 28 randomly selected control sites (between 500 and 2,000 m of any turbine) to account for the natural mortality of birds and found no carcasses. 'Very few studies have robust data to have accurate assessments that correct for detection issues and have controls for comparison,' Yadvendradev Jhala, one of the authors of the study, said. The WII study isn't the first to examine bird mortality in wind farms in India. A 2019 study documented bird deaths at wind farms in Kutch and Davangere. However, the estimate of 0.47 bird deaths per turbine per year at both sites now pale in comparison to the 1.24 bird deaths per turbine per month in the Thar Desert. 'It's quite a high estimate, but that's quite possible,' Ramesh Kumar Selvaraj, an independent consultant and author of the 2019 paper, said. '[Mortality rate] will vary depending on geography, season, and other factors.' Bird density, infrastructure density, and configuration are crucial factors, according to Jhala. The Thar Desert is part of the Central Asian Flyway — a major migration route for birds across Eurasia — and a prominent wintering destination. The desert mortality estimates also included bird collisions with power lines linked to the wind turbines. The Gujarat and Karnataka study didn't include this cause. Per both studies, raptors were the most affected group of birds, echoing findings worldwide. 'Raptors are long-lived species that lay fewer eggs, and any additional mortality can lead to population-level impacts,' Selvaraj said. 'Their flight altitude and soaring flight behaviour means they are more vulnerable while manoeuvring rotating wind turbines.' Organisations like Birdlife International have proposed several mitigation measures to reduce bird collisions with wind turbines, including painting one of the turbine blades to increase visibility and shutting turbines down at a certain time of day or season. However, Selvaraj said he believes the most crucial step in mitigation is to carefully select the site of a wind farm. Avian Sensitivity Tool for Energy Planning (AVISTEP) is an open-source platform developed by Birdlife International that helps developers identify and avoid sites where renewable energy could affect birds. Selvaraj, previously with the Bombay Natural History Society, coordinated India's map for AVISTEP. 'The whole of India, including offshore areas, have been divided into different categories of avian sensitivity such as 'low', 'moderate', 'high', and 'very high',' Selvaraj said. 'While AVISTEP can serve as a guide, ground-level studies are crucial before installing wind farms,' he added. However, onshore wind energy projects in India aren't mandated to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) before installation. From land to ocean Offshore wind farms are emerging as a valuable renewable energy resource worldwide. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, operational offshore wind capacity worldwide is currently around 83 GW. India has also turned its attention offshore and aims to install 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. In June, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy launched offshore wind energy bids totalling 4 GW in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The primary motivation is to look beyond land-based resources, which are becoming increasingly 'complex' and 'time-consuming' to procure for renewable project development, Disha Agarwal, senior programme lead, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), New Delhi, said. With a coastline stretching across 7,600 km and exclusive economic zones covering 2.3 million sq. km, India has considerable offshore wind energy potential. According to CEEW research, the addition of offshore wind to the renewable energy pool in Gujarat will benefit power system operations in the State. 'We saw that offshore wind will aid in system adequacy and help meet reliability requirements during peak load hours,' Agarwal said However, despite the growing interest, there has been limited research on the environmental consequences of offshore wind farms. Offshore wind energy is a complex infrastructure asset that requires detailed marine spatial planning exercises to assess environmental and social impacts, according to Gopal K. Sarangi, head of the Department of Policy and Management Studies at the TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi. 'As observed in other countries, there are numerous environmental risks for offshore wind farms,' Sarangi said. 'They could disturb marine biodiversity, create noise pollution for marine habitats, and pollute the ocean water at various stages of project development.' According to the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, unlike other renewable energy developments in the country, EIAs are essential for offshore wind energy. The rapid EIA report of the proposed offshore wind farm in the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat documented five marine mammals, including dolphins and sharks, and a reptile within the study area. While the report recognised that increased turbidity and noise levels during the construction phase of the wind farm may drive away highly sensitive species, it deemed the noise and vibrations during the operation phase to be 'limited'. Selvaraj said he doesn't agree with the report's inference that there are very few bird species passing through the study region. 'Gujarat and its coasts are a key area within the Central Asian Flyway and the African-Eurasian Flyway,' according to him. Per AVISTEP as well, the proposed location has a high avian sensitivity score. Thus, Selvaraj urged a longer, more thorough study to understand how migratory bird species use the area and the possible effects of wind farms on these birds. Nikhil Sreekandan is an independent journalist.
Voice of America
05-02-2025
- Science
- Voice of America
Study Finds India's Tiger Population Doubled in 12 Years
A recent study says India has doubled its tiger population in 12 years. Researchers said the gain came from efforts to protect the big cats from hunters, and to protect against the loss of tiger habitat and prey, among other things. The National Tiger Conservation Authority said the number of tigers grew from an estimated 1,706 in 2010 to around 3,682 in 2022. Those numbers mean India is home to about 75 percent of the total tiger population. The research shows that a reduction in conflict between humans and wildlife also played a part in the population growth. The study credited efforts to improve economic conditions for communities near tiger habitats. The researchers said the growth in the tiger population also led to improvements in local economies through increased ecotourism. The study appears in the publication Science. It said India's success demonstrates that wildlife protection can help both biodiversity and nearby communities. 'The common belief is that human densities preclude an increase in tiger populations," said Yadvendradev Jhala. Jhala is a scientist at Bengaluru-based Indian National Academy of Sciences and was the study's lead writer. 'What the research shows is that it's not the human density, but the attitude of people, which matters more.' Wildlife conservationists and ecologists welcomed the study. But they said making the source data available to a larger group of scientists would aid tigers and other wildlife in India. The study was based on data collected by Indian government-supported organizations. Arjun Gopalaswamy is an ecologist who knows how to measure wildlife populations. He said that estimates from India's official tiger observation program have been undependable. He said some of the numbers in the study are much higher than past estimates of tiger populations from the same datasets. But he added that the study's findings seem to have corrected a data problem noted repeatedly by scientists since 2011 related to tiger population size and their range. The study said tigers disappeared in some areas. These included habitats that were not near national parks or other protected areas, and areas of increased development, increased human use of forest resources and areas with armed conflict. 'Without community support and participation and community benefits, conservation is not possible in our country,' said Jhala. That means local people need to see good results from their efforts to save tigers. Tigers are spread across about 138,200 square kilometers of India. But just 25 percent of the area is rich in tiger prey and is protected. Another 45 percent of tiger habitat is shared with about 60 million people, the study said. Jhala said strong wildlife protection legislation is the 'backbone' of tiger conservation in India. 'Habitat is not a constraint, it's the quality of the habitat which is a constraint,' he said. Wildlife biologist Ravi Chellam, who did not take part in the study, praised the tiger conservation efforts as promising. But, he said, such efforts need to be extended to other wild animals to better care for the whole ecosystem in India. Chellam said several kinds of Indian wildlife are 'on the edge,' and need more attention. I'm Caty Weaver. The Associated Press reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for VOA Learning English. ______________________________________________________ Words in This Story habitat –n. the place or environment where a plant or animal naturally or normally exists prey –n. an animal hunted or killed by another animal for food ecotourism –n. people who travel to and visit a place to see its natural beauty and wildlife biodiversity –n. biological variety in an environment as indicated by numbers of different species of plants and animals preclude –v. to make impossible by necessary consequence attitude –n. the visible behavior that shows how a person thinks or feels about something or someone conservationist –n. a person who works to preserve animals, plants and natural resources for future generations range –n. the area where a plant or animal naturally lives and can be found constraint –n. the state of being restricted participation – n. the action or state of taking part in something
Nahar Net
31-01-2025
- Science
- Nahar Net
India doubles its tiger population in decade
by Naharnet Newsdesk 31 January 2025, 13:43 India doubled its tiger population in a little over a decade by protecting the big cats from poaching and habitat loss, ensuring they have enough prey, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and increasing communities' living standards near tiger areas, a study published Thursday found. The number of tigers grew from an estimated 1,706 tigers in 2010 to around 3,682 in 2022, according to estimates by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, making India home to roughly 75% of the global tiger population. The study found that some local communities near tiger habitats have also benefited from the increase in tigers because of the foot traffic and revenues brought in by ecotourism. The study in the journal Science says India's success "offers important lessons for tiger-range countries" that conservation efforts can benefit both biodiversity and nearby communities. "The common belief is that human densities preclude an increase in tiger populations," said Yadvendradev Jhala, a senior scientist at Bengaluru-based Indian National Academy of Sciences and the study's lead author. "What the research shows is that it's not the human density, but the attitude of people, which matters more." Wildlife conservationists and ecologists welcomed the study but said that tigers and other wildlife in India would benefit if source data were made available to a larger group of scientists. The study was based on data collected by Indian government-supported institutions. Arjun Gopalaswamy, an ecologist with expertise in wildlife population estimation, said estimates from India's official tiger monitoring program have been "chaotic" and "contradictory." He said some of the figures in the study are significantly higher than previous estimates of tiger distribution from the same datasets. But he added that the paper's findings seem to have corrected an anomaly flagged repeatedly by scientists since 2011 related to tiger population size and their geographic spread. Tigers disappeared in some areas that were not near national parks, wildlife sanctuaries or other protected areas, and in areas that witnessed increased urbanization, increased human use of forest resources and higher frequency of armed conflicts, the study said. "Without community support and participation and community benefits, conservation is not possible in our country," said Jhala. Tigers are spread across around 138,200 square kilometers (53,359 square miles) in India, about the size of the state of New York. But just 25% of the area is prey-rich and protected, and another 45% of tiger habitats are shared with roughly 60 million people, the study said. Strong wildlife protection legislation is the "backbone" of tiger conservation in India, said Jhala. "Habitat is not a constraint, it's the quality of the habitat which is a constraint," he said. Wildlife biologist Ravi Chellam, who wasn't part of the study, said that while tiger conservation efforts are promising, they need to be extended to other species to better maintain the entire ecosystem. "There are several species, including the great Indian bustard and caracal which are all on the edge," Chellam said. "And there is really not enough focus on that."
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
India's tiger population surges—study reveals key factors behind the success
India has successfully doubled its tiger population in just over a decade, a major conservation achievement that researchers say offers a model for other countries. According to a study published Thursday in Science, the number of tigers in India grew from an estimated 1,706 in 2010 to around 3,682 in 2022. This makes India home to roughly 75% of the world's tiger population. The study credits a combination of anti-poaching measures, habitat protection, improved prey availability, and policies that reduce human-wildlife conflict. Additionally, some local communities near tiger habitats have benefited from increased ecotourism, which has created economic incentives to support conservation efforts. What's next The study found that strong conservation laws and local support played key roles in the rise of India's tiger numbers. While India's tiger population is thriving, researchers warn that continued efforts are needed to sustain this progress. Only 25% of tiger habitats in India are prey-rich and protected, while another 45% are shared with an estimated 60 million people. The lead author of the study, Yadvendradev Jhala, emphasized that human presence alone isn't a barrier to tiger conservation—it's the attitudes and engagement of local communities that make the difference. "Without community support and participation, conservation is not possible in our country," Jhala said. The other side While the study highlights India's conservation success, some wildlife experts caution that data transparency remains an issue. Ecologist Arjun Gopalaswamy criticized India's official tiger monitoring program as "chaotic" and "contradictory," pointing out discrepancies in previous population estimates. Additionally, habitat loss remains a challenge. The study noted that tigers have disappeared in areas experiencing urbanization, increased human use of forest resources, and armed conflicts. While tiger conservation has been a priority, some experts argue that other endangered species in India—such as the great Indian bustard and caracal—are at risk due to lack of similar attention. Big picture view India's success in doubling its tiger population demonstrates that conservation efforts can be effective when backed by strong policies, local involvement, and sustainable practices. As other tiger-range countries look to restore their own populations, India's approach could serve as a blueprint for balancing wildlife protection with community interests. However, experts stress that conservation efforts should extend beyond tigers to protect entire ecosystems and other threatened species. Maintaining biodiversity is critical, and India's conservation model could help shape strategies for global wildlife protection. The Source This article is based on a study published in Science and data from India's National Tiger Conservation Authority, with additional reporting from the Associated Press.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Study finds India doubled its tiger population in a decade and credits conservation efforts
BENGALURU, India (AP) — India doubled its tiger population in a little over a decade by protecting the big cats from poaching and habitat loss, ensuring they have enough prey, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and increasing communities' living standards near tiger areas, a study published Thursday found. The number of tigers grew from an estimated 1,706 tigers in 2010 to around 3,682 in 2022, according to estimates by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, making India home to roughly 75% of the global tiger population. The study found that some local communities near tiger habitats have also benefited from the increase in tigers because of the foot traffic and revenues brought in by ecotourism. The study in the journal Science says India's success 'offers important lessons for tiger-range countries" that conservation efforts can benefit both biodiversity and nearby communities. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. 'The common belief is that human densities preclude an increase in tiger populations," said Yadvendradev Jhala, a senior scientist at Bengaluru-based Indian National Academy of Sciences and the study's lead author. 'What the research shows is that it's not the human density, but the attitude of people, which matters more.' Wildlife conservationists and ecologists welcomed the study but said that tigers and other wildlife in India would benefit if source data were made available to a larger group of scientists. The study was based on data collected by Indian government-supported institutions. Arjun Gopalaswamy, an ecologist with expertise in wildlife population estimation, said estimates from India's official tiger monitoring program have been 'chaotic' and 'contradictory.' He said some of the figures in the study are significantly higher than previous estimates of tiger distribution from the same datasets. But he added that the paper's findings seem to have corrected an anomaly flagged repeatedly by scientists since 2011 related to tiger population size and their geographic spread. Tigers disappeared in some areas that were not near national parks, wildlife sanctuaries or other protected areas, and in areas that witnessed increased urbanization, increased human use of forest resources and higher frequency of armed conflicts, the study said. 'Without community support and participation and community benefits, conservation is not possible in our country,' said Jhala. Tigers are spread across around 138,200 square kilometers (53,359 square miles) in India, about the size of the state of New York. But just 25% of the area is prey-rich and protected, and another 45% of tiger habitats are shared with roughly 60 million people, the study said. Strong wildlife protection legislation is the 'backbone' of tiger conservation in India, said Jhala. 'Habitat is not a constraint, it's the quality of the habitat which is a constraint,' he said. Wildlife biologist Ravi Chellam, who wasn't part of the study, said that while tiger conservation efforts are promising, they need to be extended to other species to better maintain the entire ecosystem. 'There are several species, including the great Indian bustard and caracal which are all on the edge," Chellam said. 'And there is really not enough focus on that.' ___ Follow Sibi Arasu on X at @sibi123 ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
