Scientists fit 75 pronghorns, fastest land animal in Americas, with GPS collars: What they found

In 2024, scientists attached GPS collars to 75 female pronghorns, the swiftest land animals in the Americas, near Farmington, New Mexico, to study how solar energy developments influence their behavior. The initiative, spearheaded by the conservation organization Wildlands Network close to the San Juan Solar and Storage Project, has yielded extensive data revealing potential conflicts between renewable energy infrastructure and wildlife migration patterns. The collars, which log the animals’ positions hourly, have generated over 700,000 location records by early 2025, offering an unprecedented look into pronghorn movements adjacent to a large-scale solar installation. The San Juan Solar and Storage Project covers approximately 1,100 acres and was constructed near a former coal-fired power plant. It features several enclosed solar panel fields protected by six-foot chain-link fences. These barriers, while intended to secure the site, appear to impede pronghorn movement. Unlike deer, which often leap over obstacles, pronghorns typically attempt to pass under fences. However, the height of these enclosures presents a challenge they are unable to overcome. While the project incorporates gaps between fenced areas, these openings do not consistently align with the natural pathways used by the animals. Pronghorns are known for their remarkable speed, capable of reaching up to 55 miles per hour, and are among the few species that maintain this velocity over long distances. Their migratory habits span vast regions, relying on established corridors that have been used for millennia. The presence of the San Juan solar facility appears to disrupt these routes, even beyond the immediate vicinity of the fencing. Earlier studies, including one published in Ecological Solutions and Evidence, noted similar disruptions in pronghorn activity near another solar farm in Wyoming, indicating a broader issue affecting these animals across different locations. Researchers emphasize that the findings do not oppose the expansion of solar energy, which plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Rather, they highlight the need for modifications in the design of solar farms to accommodate wildlife. One proposed solution involves adjusting the height of fences so that pronghorns can easily pass beneath them. This would allow the animals to maintain access to their traditional migration paths without compromising the integrity of the solar installations. The GPS data collected thus far provides a detailed map of pronghorn behavior both prior to and following the construction of the San Juan project. Scientists are analyzing whether specific aspects of the solar farm’s layout, such as the placement of panels or the configuration of fencing, contribute to altered movement patterns. They are also examining whether certain areas within the project site are being avoided entirely by the animals, which could inform future planning efforts aimed at minimizing ecological disruption. Wildlands Network and its collaborators plan to continue monitoring the pronghorns through the coming years, aiming to build a comprehensive understanding of how renewable energy projects interact with wildlife habitats. Long-term observations may reveal additional insights into the adaptability of pronghorns and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. As solar energy continues to expand across North America, the lessons learned from this study could guide the development of more wildlife-friendly infrastructure. The ongoing research underscores the importance of integrating ecological considerations into the planning stages of renewable energy projects. By addressing potential conflicts early, developers and conservationists alike can work toward solutions that support both clean energy goals and the preservation of critical wildlife corridors.