Which future for the Red Kite Milvus milvus in Sardinia? An analysis of the future scenario of developing wind farms

Capsule: Red Kite populations in Sardinia are very small but show a strong spatial overlap with current and planned wind energy infrastructure, highlighting a conservation concern. Aims: To assess the status of the Red Kite population in Sardinia and evaluate the potential conflict between its distribution and the development of wind energy. Methods: Breeding populations were surveyed through road transects, while wintering numbers were assessed with coordinated roost counts. Spatial overlap with operational and planned wind farms was analysed using distribution data from breeding and wintering areas. Results: The Sardinian population comprises 10–13 breeding pairs and up to 87 individuals in winter. A total of 188 operational turbines currently occur within the breeding range and 417 within the wintering range. Planned developments include an additional 265 turbines in the breeding area and 440 in the wintering area, indicating substantial overlap with key sites for Red Kite. Conclusions: The large degree of overlap between areas utilized by Red Kites and wind farms raises concerns over collision risk and habitat displacement. Integrating updated distribution data into wind energy planning is essential to reconcile renewable energy goals with raptor conservation. Transboundary cooperation is needed to ensure the long-term conservation of Mediterranean island populations.