Developing Wind Energy in Compliance with the Endangered Species Act Guidelines for the American burying beetle

摘要

Recently updated guidelines have dramatically changed conservation methods for wind power project proponents. These guidelines specifically address the American burying beetles (ABB; Nicrophorus americanus), which were listed as federally endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1992 (see Figure 1). As a result, wind power projects must now comply with Section 7 or Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act by conducting Biological Assessments or Habitat Conservation Plans to receive Incidental Take Permits from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The species habitat requirements and recognized conservation efforts to reduce potential impacts to ABB, such as habitat compensation and capture and relocation, vary from state to state. Currently, there are two large ABB populations in the central United States: eastern Oklahoma and central Nebraska (see Figure 2). There are also several smaller populations in Arkansas, South Dakota, Kansas, and Rhode Island. The species is a habitat generalist when it comes to feeding, but will typically avoid areas with heavy human disturbance. Nevertheless, wind projects may impact ABB through a direct loss of habitat, habitat fragmentation reducing suitable food sources, and habitat fragmentation leading to the range expansion of mammalian competitors.