Small Benefits
A few species actually benefit from artificial habitats created by fracking, but according to Kiviat’s personal observations, these habitats tend to support species that are quite widespread (not very restricted in range) and not conservation concerns (Gillen and Kiviat 2012).
Hamilton et al. 2011 studied the effects of two densities of natural gas wells (high: 16 wells/2.5km2, and low: 9 wells/2.59km2) on the abundance and occurrence of three grassland songbird species: the Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus,) the Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), and Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii). Both the occurrence and abundance of Savannah Sparrows were actually higher in the areas with high well density than they were in those with low well density. (Hamilton et al. 2011) The Chestnut-collared Longspurs were distributed evenly throughout the study area (their occurrence and abundance did not seem to be affected by the wells). (Hamilton et al. 2011) However, the occurrence of Sprague’s Pipit decreased with the increase in well density. (Hamilton et al. 2011)
Fracking operations will probably benefit few species while harming many. (Gillen and Kiviat 2012)
Hamilton et al. 2011 studied the effects of two densities of natural gas wells (high: 16 wells/2.5km2, and low: 9 wells/2.59km2) on the abundance and occurrence of three grassland songbird species: the Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus,) the Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), and Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii). Both the occurrence and abundance of Savannah Sparrows were actually higher in the areas with high well density than they were in those with low well density. (Hamilton et al. 2011) The Chestnut-collared Longspurs were distributed evenly throughout the study area (their occurrence and abundance did not seem to be affected by the wells). (Hamilton et al. 2011) However, the occurrence of Sprague’s Pipit decreased with the increase in well density. (Hamilton et al. 2011)
Fracking operations will probably benefit few species while harming many. (Gillen and Kiviat 2012)