Species-specific research to support onshore renewable energy regulation for the Baudin’s cockatoo (Zanda baudinii)

Jill Shephard; Fiona Scarff; Michael R Fox; Trish Fleming; Elizabeth Brunton

doi:10.60867/00000118

Purpose Australia’s current renewable energy targets require an expansion and acceleration of the Renewable Energy sector. This expansion poses significant risks to biodiversity and requires thorough planning and management to ensure impacts on biodiversity are minimised. The ‘Renewables Environmental Research Initiative’ (RERI) was developed by the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to provide evidence-based guidance on renewable energy projects. This report outlines targeted research undertaken as part of the RERI, to identify and address key knowledge gaps and synthesise ecological information relevant to understanding and assessing, the potential impacts of onshore renewable energy infrastructure on the Endangered Baudin’s cockatoo (Zanda baudinii). The report was prepared for DCCEEW to assist and inform regulators and industry and forms the scientific basis for the species-specific information document developed for the assessment of proposed renewable energy developments in Australia. Baudin’s cockatoos are endemic to the south-west of Western Australia, occurring in fragmented jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor) and marri (Corymbia calophylla) forests, and remnant and planted habitats in urban, peri-urban, and agricultural areas. The species has undergone an historical decline in population size with the primary threat to the species being habitat loss. No research has been undertaken to date to assess the susceptibility of Baudin’s cockatoos to expanding renewable energy infrastructure across their range. This research provides critical information relevant to the regulation and assessment of renewable energy projects and highlights vital future research required. Methods This project utilised a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to address the research objectives. To provide a comprehensive understanding of current scientific knowledge and identify knowledge gaps relevant to assessing the impacts of renewable energy projects, we utilised a literature review and qualitative expert elicitation. To identify and provide a better understanding of important habitat areas for persistence and recovery in both current and future climates, we undertook species distribution modelling and resource selection analyses. To assess susceptibility of Baudin’s cockatoos to impacts from renewable energy projects, we overlaid existing and planned renewable energy infrastructure, with known movement pathways and important habitats for the species, and analysed available data related to assessment of mortality risk. We reviewed global literature to identify best-practice measures for management and mitigation of impacts. We assessed these measures relative to the key threats to Baudin’s cockatoos and prioritised them according to four stages of renewable energy projects: pre-construction, construction, operation and decommissioning. We synthesised themes and priority considerations regarding offsets in the scientific literature and legislative documents, and evaluated pathways utilised for offsetting significant impacts on Baudin’s cockatoos. Findings The most likely impacts of renewable energy infrastructure on Baudin’s cockatoos are habitat loss and fragmentation, increased mortality, and behavioural modification. There is some evidence to suggest that cockatoos are at risk of turbine collision; however, more data are required to understand the extent of risk. The risk of mortality to cockatoos from transmission lines and solar farms, and the behavioural impacts of renewable energy are still poorly understood. Targeted research to better understand the cumulative impacts of habitat loss on the species, and the risk and consequence of mortality due to turbine and transmission line collisions, is needed to effectively assess key direct and indirect impacts of renewable energy projects. Results from the species distribution modelling provide new insights into habitat preference and important habitat for the species, including potential future climate refugia, to inform renewable energy assessment. Limitations and constraints There is a bias in the global literature assessing the impacts of renewable energy infrastructure on birds toward wind energy. Also, very little research has been undertaken on Australian species. Not all required data are currently available to fully assess the impacts of renewable energy infrastructure on Baudin’s cockatoos. The large knowledge gaps that remain mean that definitive recommendations cannot be made for all aspects of renewable energy assessment and regulation. In particular, there is a need for targeted research to better understand the cumulative impacts of habitat loss on the species, and the risk and consequence of mortality due to collisions, to effectively assess both direct and indirect impacts of renewable energy projects. How to use this report This report provides a detailed account of the research undertaken to develop a species-specific information document for the Baudin’s cockatoo. Research results are reported and synthesised with current literature to provide key recommendations for approaches to mitigation, management and offsetting of renewable energy infrastructure impacts. Since there are significant gaps in knowledge needed to fully assess the impacts of renewable energy on Baudin’s cockatoos, this report provides a summary of future research needs in relation to the renewable energy industry that can be used to prioritise and guide research. This report is intended to be used in conjunction with the information document to provide background information and context to assist with preparation and assessment of renewable energy proposals. Modelling outputs provided herein can be used to inform surveys, impact assessment, and offset planning; due care should be taken to consider the potential limitations of these outputs for these purposes (see Section 3.2.7).

Species-specific research to support onshore renewable energy regulation for the Baudin’s cockatoo (Zanda baudinii)

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