What the study found
Bat activity at wind turbines in southern Vietnam was greatest from May to October, and moderate-to-high or high activity also occurred in many other months. The authors report that higher wind speeds significantly reduced bat activity.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say the findings help fill a lack of information on bat activity and the factors influencing it at wind farms in Southeast Asia. They suggest that curtailment, meaning reducing or stopping turbine operation at certain times, at low wind speeds will be effective at reducing bat fatalities in the region.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used acoustic detectors, which record bat sounds, to establish a one-year baseline for bat activity at wind turbines in southern Vietnam. Fieldwork also confirmed the local presence of 22 bat species, while 11 species were recorded at the turbines.
What worked and what didn't
The study found that increased wind speeds significantly reduced bat activity at the turbines. Rain and temperature appeared to have limited usefulness for refining curtailment in the study area because they did not markedly reduce bat activity.
What to keep in mind
The authors note that the rain and temperature result may not apply to places in Southeast Asia with much higher rainfall or distinct winter periods. They also state that this was the first publicly available study to report bat activity and related factors at a wind farm in Southeast Asia, so much remains to be learned.
Key points
- Acoustic monitoring was used for one year at wind turbines in southern Vietnam.
- Bat activity was greatest in May to October, but moderate-to-high activity occurred in many months.
- Higher wind speeds significantly reduced bat activity at the turbines.
- Rain and temperature did not markedly reduce bat activity in the study area.
- Fieldwork confirmed 22 bat species locally, while 11 were recorded at the turbines.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Bat activity at Vietnamese wind farms was highest from May to October
- Authors:
- Neil M. Furey, Vương Tân Tú, Alan T. Hitch, John Pilgrim, Mark Kunzer
- Institutions:
- Asian Development Bank Institute, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Sevenoaks Hospital, Suffolk Horse Society, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-27
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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