Explosions from test launches of SpaceX rockets have been linked to the decline of a species of endangered birds, potentially threatening Elon Musk’s expansion plans at his Texas spaceport.
An environmental impact report for the US government reveals trials of SpaceX’s Super Heavy rocket may halve the amount of habitat available for the piping plover, an endangered species of coastal bird.
The draft report by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, released under Freedom of Information laws to CNBC, also warns expanding SpaceX’s Starbase site will have an “impact” on the red knot bird and two breeds of wild cat, ocelots and jaguarundis.
It says traffic, noise, heat and explosions from construction and rocket launches will harm the animals’ habitats.
“The findings indicate SpaceX’s associated activity has negatively impacted the threatened piping plover,” the report says, citing research which said the birds’ numbers halved during the time SpaceX has been operating from its Boca Chica site.
It continued: “It is not clear what happened to the ‘missing’ plovers, but if SpaceX activities have resulted in the loss of over half the Boca Chica population then the entire critical habitat is being impacted.”
The report’s authors said “it is not likely the birds simply ‘went somewhere else'”, citing risks to wildlife caused by “blast overpressure” from space rockets.
“Piping plovers are especially susceptible to human disturbances because they are ground nesting birds that make their home on open, sandy shorelines,” the Endangered Species Coalition, a campaign group, said.
