New scientific article about Golden Eagle in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's wind energy sector is booming, but what does this mean for the country's rich biodiversity? Our new article delves into the potential impacts:
"Golden Eagle in Karatau and Chu-Ili Mountains (Kazakhstan) and Assessment of Risks to its Populations from Developing Wind Energy".
The article addresses the threat to Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) populations in Kazakhstan due to the active development of wind energy. The Golden Eagle, listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan, faces risks of mortality from collisions with wind turbines and habitat loss from the construction of wind power plants (WPPs).

Kazakhstan is actively developing wind energy, particularly in the Karatau and Chu-Ili mountains regions, which are important territories for Golden Eagle nesting. The authors conducted research to assess Golden Eagle populations in these regions, analyze the impact of existing and planned WPPs, and develop measures to mitigate negative consequences.
The research included modeling Golden Eagle distribution, population assessments, monitoring of nesting sites, and analysis of bird mortality causes. Cases of Golden Eagle mortality due to collisions with turbines were identified, as well as a decrease in bird numbers near WPPs.
Key recommendations to mitigate negative impacts on Golden Eagles:
• Spatial Planning: Avoid constructing WPPs near nesting sites, migration routes, and areas of Golden Eagle concentration, especially in areas with orographic lift.
• Buffer Zones: Establish protective zones around Golden Eagle nests to minimize disturbance and the risk of collisions. The authors suggest 3-level buffer zones (4.5, 9.6, and 12.8 km) around nests.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: Conduct thorough environmental impact assessments (EIAs) that consider the risks to Golden Eagles at all stages of WPP planning and construction.
• Monitoring and Mitigation: Implement monitoring systems to track Golden Eagle movements and develop measures to reduce mortality, including the potential for temporary turbine shutdowns.
• Compensation Measures: Implement measures to restore Golden Eagle populations and their habitats to compensate for any damage caused.
The authors emphasize the importance of an integrated approach to wind energy development that considers the need to conserve biodiversity and minimizes negative impacts on Golden Eagles.
The article is published in two languages: Russian and English.