Applying Ecological Succession Theory to Birds in Solar Parks: An Approach to Address Protection and Planning

Markus Klemens Zaplata and Sandra Dullau
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Markus Klemens Zaplata: Department of Environment and Natural Sciences, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus–Senftenberg, 03046 Cottbus, Germany
Sandra Dullau: Department of Agriculture, Oecotrophology and Landscape Development, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, 06406 Bernburg, Germany

Land, 2022, vol. 11, issue 5, 1-16

Abstract: Renewable energy production will require large areas of land; production sites should be designed to include biodiversity conservation. Guidance for decision-makers on reasonable coexistence is needed. We use time-series data alongside a meta-study on birds in solar parks, utilizing succession theory to indicate which bird groups can thrive in solar parks. Using an evidence-based and interdisciplinary approach, we documented biodiversity and conditions at a 6 ha site in the newly created post-mining landscape of Lusatia, Germany, for 16 years, grouping avian species depending on the ecosystem state in which they were observed. In a key mid-period of early succession lasting eight years, the avifauna was characterized by successional groups 2, herbaceous plant-preferring, ground-breeding species; and 3, open shrub-preferring species. The preceding and following groups were: (1) pioneer bird species that prefer open ground; and (4), pre-forest species. Comparison of these data with available bird monitoring in solar parks showed that bird species of groups 2 and 3 can also successfully settle in open-space solar parks that have some natural habitat attributes, whereas this is hardly possible for the preceding and following groups. Using this information, opportunities for habitat improvement are facilitated, and potential conflicts can be addressed more purposefully.

Keywords: biodiversity; directed long-term changes; landscape transformation; land sharing; solar energy projects; sustainable practices; theoretical foundations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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