How does hydropower affect wildlife?

Hydropower primarily affects wildlife through the alteration of natural habitats. When rivers are dammed to create reservoirs for hydroelectric power, the natural flow of water is disrupted. This can lead to changes in water temperature, sediment transport, and nutrient cycling, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Aquatic species, such as fish, may face barriers to migration caused by dams, leading to reduced populations or even local extinctions of some species that rely on particular spawning grounds upstream. Terrestrial wildlife can also be impacted, as the flooding of land to create reservoirs may destroy habitats that many animals depend on for shelter and food.

Further, changes in water levels can impact the availability of wetland habitats, which are critical for many bird species and other wildlife. These indirect effects on habitats, along with direct impacts from dam construction and maintenance, illustrate how hydropower developments can significantly influence wildlife populations and ecosystems.