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Ecological impact of wind turbines: they act as apex predators, wipe out birds of prey

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6 years ago

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Ecological impact of wind turbines: they act as apex predators, wipe out birds of prey

Considered a source of clean, renewable energy, wind turbines have been found to have disruptive impact on ecology, a new study has found.

Researchers of Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, found that wind turbines can act as top predators in ecosystems by driving down numbers as well as activity of birds of prey and triggering knock-on effects across food chains – it results in an increase in the density of vertebrates like lizards on the ground.

The study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution on November 5 found that predatory raptor birds were four times rarer in parts of an Indian mountain range covered in wind turbines, suggesting they were avoiding the structures.

The predatory bird species affected include Buteo, Butastur and Elanus and the density of lizard that showed an increase in numbers is Sarada superba, a fan-throated lizard endemic to the area.

The raptors’ prey, fan-throated lizards – small, colourful reptiles that the birds prey on – increased in number and showed altered behaviour, physiology and even less-flamboyant body colours.

The study was done in the Chalkewadi plateau in Satara district in the northern Western Ghats which is the site of one of the largest and longest-running wind farms in the region. Large parts of the plateau and the adjacent valley are in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. These protected areas do not have wind turbines, and were chosen for comparison.

Wind farms arrived in Chalkewadi almost 20 years ago and Professor Maria Thaker (Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Science) and her team studied their impact on the local ecosystem between 2012 and 2014, said a report in The Hindu. Comparing raptor and lizard numbers in six areas with and without wind turbines, they found that wind farms had one-fourth the number of birds of prey (including eagles and kites) and showed lower predatory bird activity.

The impacts didn’t end there. With fewer predators, lizard numbers shot up to almost three times more in wind farms. And these reptiles showed marked changes in behaviour. With lowered anti-predator responses, the reptiles let researchers approach to within 3 m before running away (normally, they flee if intruders approach to within 15 m). The lizards’ stress (corticosterone) levels were also far lower than those in areas without wind turbines.

But oddly enough, these lizards were not doing well: they were thinner, a sign of poor body condition. The usually brilliant blue and orange colours that male lizards sport were less vibrant in individuals at wind farms: not a good sign, because colour intensities aid lizards in social communication, said study according to The Hindu report.

“Increased competition for resources, now that lizards are at high densities, could be the cause,” said Dr. Thaker, whose work depicts a trophic cascade (the changes in an ecosystem when one component of a food chain is removed or added) due to the introduction of wind farms.

The study is important for it shows that wind power projects — currently exempt from Environment Impact Assessments — have complex ecological consequences, Shikha Lakhanpal, research scholar at Bengaluru’s Ashoka Trust for Ecology and Environment was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

“Given India’s focus on renewable energy, policy-makers should start thinking deeply about the trade-offs between clean energy and environment protection,” Dr. Lakhanpal told The Hindu.

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Vivo T4 5G likely to launch in April: Expected price, features and specifications revealed

Vivo is reportedly planning to launch the T4 5G in India by April 2025. Expected to offer a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, 7,300mAh battery, and up to 12GB RAM, it aims to build on the success of the T3 5G.

Published

4 days ago

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March 25, 2025

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Vivo T4 5G expected to launch in India with new features

Vivo is gearing up to launch its next mid-range smartphone, the Vivo T4 5G, in India. According to recent reports citing a known tipster, the device could make its debut as early as April 2025, succeeding the Vivo T3 5G which was introduced in March last year. While the brand is yet to make an official announcement, early details have surfaced highlighting the expected pricing, specifications, and key upgrades.

Vivo T4 5G expected price and variants

The upcoming Vivo T4 5G is expected to fall in the Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 price bracket. The smartphone is likely to be available in three configurations:

  • 8GB RAM + 128GB storage
  • 8GB RAM + 256GB storage
  • 12GB RAM + 256GB storage

For reference, the Vivo T3 5G was launched at Rs 19,999 for the base 8GB + 128GB model and Rs 21,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant. The addition of a higher 12GB RAM option suggests Vivo may be targeting power users this time around.

Key specifications and upgrades expected in Vivo T4 5G

The Vivo T4 5G is rumored to feature a 6.67-inch full-HD+ AMOLED quad-curved display with a 120Hz refresh rate, promising a premium viewing experience. It may run on Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15 and could be powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset.

In terms of photography, the device is tipped to sport a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary camera with OIS, along with a 2MP secondary sensor. The front camera is expected to be a 32MP shooter, aimed at enhancing selfie performance.

One of the notable upgrades could be the inclusion of a 7,300mAh battery with 90W wired fast charging support, which would be a significant step up in battery capacity and charging speed for the segment. Additional features may include an in-display fingerprint sensor, IR blaster, and a sleek 8.1mm profile with a weight of 195g.

With the launch likely around the corner, more details are expected to be revealed by Vivo in the coming weeks.

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iQOO Z10 with 7300mAh battery to launch in India on April 11

iQOO has confirmed the launch of Z10 in India on April 11, featuring a 7300mAh battery, which it claims is the biggest ever in the country.

Published

1 week ago

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March 21, 2025

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iQOO Z10 official teaser showing back panel with round camera housing

Vivo’s sub-brand iQOO has officially confirmed the launch date of its next smartphone for the Indian market, the iQOO Z10, which is set to make its debut on April 11, 2025. The highlight of this upcoming device is its massive 7300mAh battery, which the company claims is the largest ever in an Indian smartphone.

The brand took to social media to announce the Z10, highlighting it as a phone designed for “mega taskers,” aiming to deliver longer battery life for users with heavy usage patterns. This large battery makes it a significant upgrade over the iQOO Z9, which came with a 5,000mAh battery and 44W fast charging.

First look reveals a bold design change

Alongside the launch date announcement, iQOO also revealed the first official teaser image of the Z10. The teaser shows off a marble-like back panel in white and a round camera housing, a notable departure from previous iQOO designs, with some resemblance to Realme’s design aesthetics. More color variants are expected to be unveiled at the launch.

While detailed specifications remain under wraps for now, the Z10 is expected to follow in the footsteps of the Z9, which impressed users with its MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset, 50MP Sony IMX882 camera with OIS, and 120Hz AMOLED display.

A quick look back at iQOO Z9

The iQOO Z9 was launched at under ₹20,000 with notable features like:

  • 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display
  • Dimensity 7200 SoC
  • 8GB RAM with up to 256GB storage
  • 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS
  • 5,000mAh battery with 44W fast charging
  • Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14

Following its launch, the Z9 series expanded with variants like the iQOO Z9x, Z9 Lite, Z9s, and Z9s Pro.

With the Z10, iQOO aims to set a new benchmark in battery performance, catering to a growing segment of users looking for ultra-long battery life without compromising on performance.

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Gadgets

Zepto launches quick delivery of iPhone, iPad, and Apple products in India

Zepto partners with Apple to provide 10-minute doorstep delivery of iPhones, iPads, AirPods, and more in select Indian locations, competing with Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart.

Published

1 week ago

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March 19, 2025

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Zepto now offers quick delivery of Apple products in India

Zepto, the quick commerce platform, has announced its partnership with Apple to offer doorstep delivery of iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods, and other Apple accessories in India. The collaboration aims to provide instant access to premium Apple products, with deliveries promised in under 10 minutes.

Zepto expands Apple portfolio with latest devices

According to an official statement from Zepto, users in select locations can now order Apple’s recently launched iPhone 16E, AirPods 4, and the latest iPad models. The initiative aligns with the platform’s strategy to expand its electronics category, following its recent launch of quick deliveries for Vivo smartphones and Asus accessories in key Indian cities.

Speaking on the development, Abhimanyu Singh, Business Head of Electronics at Zepto, highlighted the growing demand for Apple products on the platform. He revealed that over one million users searched for Apple items in the past month, with a 35% month-on-month increase in searches.

Discounts, EMI offers, and availability

Zepto is offering various incentives, including launch discounts, no-cost EMI plans, and special offers on bank card payments. Customers can also avail of coupon-based and mobile wallet discounts to reduce costs further.

While the service is currently limited to select cities, it positions Zepto in direct competition with Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, which also offer quick delivery of Apple products. Additionally, BigBasket has begun delivering iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus in partnership with Croma Electronics in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai.

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