Nicholas Wu

This project aims to assess the vulnerability of the Pilbara leaf-nosed bat (Rhinonicteris aurantia; Pilbara form) to climate change and identify drivers of seasonal and annual population variation. Using physiological experiments, long-term cave microclimate monitoring, and predictive modelling integrated with demographic and movement datasets, the project will advance understanding of species resilience and population dynamics. The project will generate new knowledge on climate tolerance and ecological drivers of colony sizes using innovative interdisciplinary approaches. Expected outcomes include improved conservation strategies, climate-resilient artificial roost design, and predictive tools for management, such as biodiversity protection and mining offset planning.

Electricity production contributes 40% of world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Conversion to renewable energy production is therefore critical for mitigating climate change. Australia’s commitment to meeting emission targets has seen rapid growth in the renewable energy sector. Wind energy met 13.4% of Australia’s total energy demands over the last 12 months, but the rapid increase in wind energy developments will see this proportion increase. In 2023, there were 121 Australian wind farms operating or under construction, but an additional 188 have been proposed. Markedly, there is a projected 12-fold increase over current wind energy generation, with more, much larger turbines, proposed. As the number of wind energy projects increases, so has the scrutiny of their environmental impact. Wind energy, in particular, has a pronounced ecological impact on bird and bat species due to collisions with turbine blades and towers. Understanding the potential impact of the growth of wind farms on threatened wildlife species requires species-specific collision risk data. However, reported turbine strike data is lacking for most Australian species, especially scarce, threatened species, and those whose geographic range does not overlap with existing wind farms. Without actual strike data, conservation management decisions are currently being made on the basis of theoretical predictions. To fully assess and address potential environmental impacts of wind turbine developments We have reviewed the biological traits of bird and bat species, available collision mortality monitoring, and compiled direct activity observations to identify a list of Western Australian species that are potentially at risk of wind turbine collision. We have also identified knowledge gaps that require additional research. This work is building research and industry collaboration towards managing and mitigating the balance between green energy development and the conservation challenges that it represents.