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Biodiversity & Land Use
Protecting Bird Species at LSS Sepang Solar Park Managing Human-Wildlife Conflicts at Bukit Selambau Solar Park as Grazing Ground
Solar Park
The LSS Sepang Solar Park in Selangor is significant not only LSS Bukit Selambau also serves as an alternative grazing
for its role in renewable energy production but also for its ground for a nearby goat herder. The use of livestock for
contribution to local biodiversity conservation. On 3 July 2023, In Kedah, the Bukit Selambau Solar Park faces distinct natural vegetation control is a method increasingly being
TNB Renewables, in collaboration with Persatuan Rekreasi challenges due to its proximity to long-tailed macaque adopted at solar farms abroad. In Bukit Selambau,
dan Bimbingan Alam Semulajadi Selangor (Sarang), launched habitats. These adaptable primates have increasingly approximately 30 Boer goats are introduced into the solar
a bird identification initiative during the “Hari Hargai Alam” ventured into human areas, leading to conflicts, especially as park per session, with two sessions held daily-one in the
event. This survey documented 28 bird species within the they search for food. To manage this, TNB developed a morning and one in the afternoon. This practice is currently
solar park, comprising 25 resident species, such as the Conflict Management Plan, which includes detailed being trialled and monitored to evaluate its long-term
White Throated Kingfisher and Crested Serpent Eagle, and 3 behavioural ecology studies and DNA metabarcoding. feasibility.
migratory species like the Pheasant Tailed Jacana.
The behavioural studies map the macaques’ movement The approach of using livestock for vegetation management
The presence of species like the Crested Serpent Eagle, patterns, social structures, and food sources, providing TNB at solar parks has been successfully implemented in several
which requires a stable prey population, indicates a with essential data to modify the park’s environment and countries. Grazing helps control overgrown vegetation, which
well-functioning ecosystem within the park. Migratory reduce conflicts. DNA metabarcoding, which analyses the is crucial for preventing shading over solar panels that could
species, which depend on the park’s wetlands during their macaques’ diet through their faecal samples, offers insights reduce energy efficiency. In addition to lowering the costs
journeys,emphasize the importance of these habitats. The into their dietary habits. This information allows TNB to associated with traditional mechanical mowing, this method
project titled “Documentation of Avian Species at LSS Sepang,” minimise the macaques’ attraction to human areas and also minimises the environmental impact by reducing the
funded by TNB Sepang Solar Sdn. Bhd. (TSS), aims to ensuring the solar park’s operations are not disrupted. need for chemical herbicides.
capture high-resolution photos, identify species, and observe
their activities. This initiative also seeks to develop The solar park benefits from reduced vegetation management
an methodology that balances species preservation with the costs and an eco-friendly method of maintaining the land,
solar plant’s operations, ensuring that the park functions while the local herder gains access to additional grazing land
efficiently while safeguarding biodiversity. for his goats. The Boer goats used at LSS Bukit Selambau
are well-suited for this environment due to their hardiness
and grazing efficiency. This arrangement promotes a mutually
beneficial relationship between renewable energy production
and local agricultural practices.
Carbon Management Water Management Biodiversity & Land Use Opportunities in RE Toxic Emissions & Waste
Human Capital Development Health & Safety Labour Rights Supply Chain Management Community Relations Corporate Governance