Ecological Tradeoff? Utility-scale Solar Energy Impedes Endangered Florida Panthers
Florida Atlantic UniversityReducing the energy industry’s carbon footprint in the sunshine state is impeding a large carnivore’s paw-print. A study is the first to document the effect of utility-scale solar energy (USSE) facilities in Peninsular Florida on both habitat suitability and connectivity for any large carnivore. The study examined 45 USSE facilities equaling 27,688 acres. The findings suggest a substantial bias in locating USSE facilities within rural and undeveloped lands, which may provide connectivity that is sufficient for Florida panthers to roam, live and breed. Most facilities were installed on grasslands and pastures, impacting panthers’ ability to move through wildlife corridors, which they need for dispersal and survival.