Photovoltaic power plants and their role in the landscape: an analysis of the impact on birds
Full title: Photovoltaic power plants and their role in the landscape: an analysis of the impact on birds
Field of study: Zoology
Supervisor: Mgr. Marie Kotasová Adámková, Ph.D.
Official entry:
Given the increasing demand for energy and the growing pressure to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, more and more photovoltaic power plants have been deployed in recent years. Their impact on the environment is the subject of intense debate in the context of agricultural land take, biodiversity reduction, and degradation of ecosystem services. At the same time, however, there is increasing talk about the concept of so-called ecovoltaics, which do not negatively impact ecosystem services but have the potential to enhance biodiversity. Birds (Aves) are a suitable model group to study the effects of the presence of photovoltaic plants (PVE) in the landscape.
The objective of the bachelor's thesis will be to: (i) prepare a literature review addressing the effects of the presence of PVEs in the open landscape and methods of their management on avian biodiversity; (ii) conduct seasonal monitoring of birds on selected PVE sites and on comparison sites in their immediate vicinity; (iii) conducting a comparison of species composition and abundance of populations on FVE plots and on comparison plots; (iv) evaluating environmental parameters in FVEs in relation to bird biodiversity; and (v) developing recommendations for implementing actions that will increase bird community biodiversity on FVE plots.
A basic knowledge of ornithology and avian ecology, rigorous processing of literature searches, basic statistical skills for data analysis, and critical thinking skills are expected.