Sequencing the Golden Eagle genome to help the birds avoid wind turbines

[A]n estimated 70 golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are killed annually at even a single large wind farm – the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area near Livermore California – a heavy toll on a species that reproduces slowly and can live up to 30 years. The wind farm is famous for being an environmental boondoggle, built in 1981 under the claim that […] birds would not be impacted. Today, golden eagle numbers have dropped by 80% in northern California and they won’t nest near what was once their prime habitat.

[…]

One recently proposed method of reducing turbine-related eagle deaths was to coat wind turbines with ultraviolet-reflective paint, thereby heightening their visibility to eagles, because they are sensitive to ultraviolet light. 

But now researchers have sequenced the genome of the golden eagle and found that these modern raptors might not be as sensitive to ultraviolet light as previously thought –  instead, eagle vision is rooted in the violet spectrum – like human sight – rather than the ultraviolet. 

Read the full, original story: Understanding The Eagle Genome May Help Protect Them From Wind Turbines

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}
screenshot at  pm

Are pesticide residues on food something to worry about?

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring drew attention to pesticides and their possible dangers to humans, birds, mammals and the ...
glp menu logo outlined

Newsletter Subscription

* indicates required
Email Lists
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.