Species Protection Report for Wind Turbines
The species protection report (Artenschutzgutachten) assesses whether construction and operation of wind turbines would significantly disturb specially or strictly protected species (birds and bats) — in particular whether the killing prohibition (sec. 44 para. 1 no. 1 BNatSchG) and the disturbance prohibition are violated. It is a mandatory component of every BImSchG permitting procedure.
What does it cover?
- Breeding bird survey following methodology standards (Suedbeck et al.), including nest/territory mapping
- Resting and migratory bird survey where the site is located in migration corridors
- Bat survey using detectors at nacelle height plus ground-level recording, seasons March–October
- Significance testing: Does the turbine significantly increase the general mortality risk?
- Habitats Directive assessment where the site is in or near FFH or bird protection areas
- Avoidance and CEF measures (Continuous Ecological Functionality) — curtailment schedules, tower modifications, compensatory habitats
Survey periods in species protection — minimum duration one full calendar year
Key conflict species
| Species | Status | Typical avoidance measure |
|---|---|---|
| Red kite | Collision-prone, nationwide priority | 1.5 km exclusion zone around nest, possibly anti-collision system (ABS) |
| White-tailed eagle | Collision-prone | 3 km exclusion zone around nest |
| Black stork | Disturbance-sensitive | 3 km exclusion zone around nest, 10 km deflection corridor |
| Montagu's harrier | Breeding habitat sensitive | 1 km exclusion zone around breeding site |
| Bats (Common noctule, Nathusius' pipistrelle, Common pipistrelle) | Collision-prone | Seasonal curtailment at low wind/warm conditions — typically < 6 m/s + > 10 °C |
What does it cost?
Guideline cost €15,000–60,000 for a full survey (birds + bats), starting from €10,000 at straightforward sites. The range is wide because it depends heavily on survey seasons — a full breeding-bird season (March to August) and a bat season (April to October) require 6–10 field visits per season.
Sec. 45b BNatSchG — the new regulation
Since the Wind Energy Acceleration Act (WaLG, 2022), simplified rules apply for the species protection derogation assessment at wind turbines: for 15 collision-prone species, exclusion zones are now defined uniformly at federal level (Annex 1 to sec. 45b BNatSchG), and derogations are facilitated where there is an “overriding public interest” (sec. 2 EEG). This has streamlined many permitting procedures.
Who prepares it?
Ecological engineering consultancies specialising in avifauna and chiropterology (bats). Key criterion: regional experience with the breeding-bird inventory of the relevant federal state and accreditation for the respective state guideline (e.g. Helgoland Paper, LANUV guideline NRW, Hesse guideline).
Request a species protection report
We connect you with a specialist consultancy experienced in regional field surveys. At very early project stages (before site selection), a preliminary assessment often saves significant costs later in the formal report.
Get in touchFrequently asked questions
What happens if a red kite nest is found within 1 km?
Under the LAG-VSW Helgoland Paper, this falls within an exclusion area. Sec. 45b BNatSchG has partially redefined the radii — within the “close range” zone (1,500 m), the turbine is generally not permittable; in the “central assessment zone” (1,500–4,000 m), permitting with an anti-collision system (ABS) or curtailment during the breeding season may be possible.
What is a CEF measure?
“Continuous Ecological Functionality” = a pre-emptive compensatory measure that must be effective before the impact occurs, in order to avoid triggering the killing and disturbance prohibitions. Examples: creation of new breeding territories away from the turbines, habitat enhancement, installation of nesting aids.
Bat curtailment — how costly is it?
Typical curtailment during critical summer nights (May–October, < 6 m/s wind, > 10 °C, sunset to midnight) costs 1–3% of annual energy yield. For repowering projects this is usually acceptable; it becomes relevant where economic viability is tight.
What about repowering — are there advantages?
Yes — for repowering projects, a lesser impact is often argued because the sites already have an anthropogenic pre-load. Furthermore, modern turbines often have higher hub heights, which somewhat reduces conflicts with low-flying species (red kite).