Line of action:

Knowledge generation and management

Status:

En ejecución

Location:

Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia, Extremadura and the Region of Murcia.

Geographic scope:

España

Line of research:

Energy transition and terrestrial and marine biodiversity

Execution date:

2025

Duration:

01/09/2025 - 31/08/2028

Total budget:

€389,273.60

Amount of aid from the Biodiversity Foundation:

€155,709.44 (40%)

Coordinating entity:

Spanish Herpetological Association

The rapid expansion of solar and wind plants in Mediterranean regions is generating significant habitat loss and new barriers for amphibians and reptiles, groups that are especially vulnerable due to their limited mobility and dependence on well-preserved terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These animals, bioindicators of environmental quality, play key roles in food chains and provide direct benefits to society, such as pest control. The project seeks to fill knowledge gaps, assess the real impact of these infrastructures and propose conservation measures based on scientific evidence, ensuring energy planning compatible with biodiversity.

To evaluate the impact and efficiency of solar (photovoltaic and solar thermal) and wind plants, and their associated preventive, corrective and compensatory measures, on amphibian and reptile populations, for the detailed preparation of a manual that includes good practices in the zoning, impact correction and monitoring processes.

The project focuses on the conservation of amphibians and reptiles in the face of the impact of energy infrastructures. To this end, it includes the collection of cartography and previous appointments, the inventory and estimation of abundances, as well as the monitoring of movements by radiotracking and photoidentification. Based on regional distribution models, connectivity is evaluated and a zoning of solar and wind plants compatible with biodiversity is proposed. In addition, it compiles and evaluates preventive, corrective and compensatory measures in the field, preparing a specific conservation guide. Finally, a follow-up protocol will be developed to ensure the effectiveness of the actions.