Influence of the Solar Power Plant on the Diversity of Mammals: A Case Study in Northeastern Brazil
Henrique M. Farias1, S. Cavalieri1, D. S. Ruas2, K. S. Tavares2, and
H. O. Braga3,4
1. Enel Green
Power Brasil, Brazil
2. Department of
Natural Sciences, State University of Southwest Bahia, Brazil
3. Department of
Biology & CESAM, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of
Aveiro, Portugal
4. CAPES
Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brazil
Abstract: Despite producing clean and renewable
energy, large solar projects can affect wildlife due mainly to habitat loss and
land use. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the influences of
the Solar Power Plant Ituverava on the local mastofauna. The study area
contained three samples called Zone 1 (Z1) — called Legal Reserve and Green
Belt (category IV, IUCN); Zone 2 (Z2) — Control area with native vegetation;
and Zone 3 (Z3) — project intervention area. We recorded 991 contacts with
medium and large mammals belonging to 37 species and seven mammalian orders.
The analyzes do not indicate significant differences in the diversity of
mammals between the areas, suggesting that the mastofauna in the region is
using different environments, including in the areas of solar panels (Z3). Some
species, including two threatened with extinction, had a more significant number
of records in Zone 3. Fauna passages projected below the company’s fences
associated with the presence of food, refuge, and shelter in solar panels area appear
to be establishing new niches now being occupied by some species, including
endangered species.
Key words: energy sources, conservation,
endangered species, wildlife management, solar power plant, Bahia
