Sensitivity mapping for Middendorf's bean goose (Anser fabalis middendorffii) to reduce collision risk along Japan's coastline

Abstract

In recent years, wind-power facilities have been rapidly constructed along the Japanese coastline, from Northern Hokkaido to Tohoku. This area is a wintering and stopover zone and coincides with a major flyway for migratory geese and swans. Wind farm construction can directly and indirectly affect migratory birds through habitat loss, abandonment of wintering sites, direct mortality, and increased energy costs resulting from detours to avoid such facilities. Sensitivity maps visualising areas of greater collision risk to migratory birds represent a powerful tool for habitat conservation, while continuing to encourage renewable energy development. In this review, we first outline the current state and relevant issues of sensitivity mapping for large waterfowl, then provide two sensitivity maps for Middendorf’s bean goose. The first map provides a sensitivity score based on the probability of a goose flight path intersecting with the turn area of a windmill blade at wintering and stopover sites, and the second map shows the predicted altitudes of geese flight paths based on landscape and topographic factors along the major migratory route. Finally, we propose a systematic approach to assess putative wind farm locations, considering the outcomes of sensitivity mapping.