Solar Development Impacts - Species Case Studies

In addition to our analysis on the potential impacts of solar development on ecological processes, many of the sensitive species found in the California desert are also at risk. Individual species as well as populations may be affected by site-level and/or landscape-level impacts. To illustrate this, we discuss the potential impacts that solar development may have on: the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), the desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), and pollinators in the California desert. Though we chose to focus on just three examples to illustrate the potential impacts utility-scale solar development may have on desert species, similar concerns could be relevant for any species that may suffer from habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, water depletion, migration corridor blockage, or the indirect impacts associated with increased human presence in the region. Species that are most at risk include species with limited ranges, in particular those species with primary habitat in the flat, low-lying desert areas where solar development is most likely to occur.