1
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Le Tallec T, Hozer C, Perret M, Théry M. Light pollution and habitat fragmentation in the grey mouse lemur. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1662. [PMID: 38238414 PMCID: PMC10796386 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51853-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Light pollution, by changing organisms' behavior, affects locomotion, migration and can ultimately fragment the habitat. To investigate the effects of light pollution on habitat fragmentation, we conducted an experimental study on a nocturnal and photosensitive primate, the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus). Twelve males were housed individually in an apparatus with two cages connected by two corridors, opaque and transparent. During 4 nights, the transparent corridor was illuminated by specific light intensities: 0 lx, 0.3 lx, 20 lx and 51.5 lx corresponding respectively to total darkness, full moon, minimal intensity recommended by the European standard EN-13201 on public lighting, and to light pollution recorded in an urban area. Each night, general activity, use of corridors and cage occupancy were recorded using an infrared camera. For the first time in a nocturnal primate, results demonstrate that light pollution changes the preference of use of corridors, modifies the locomotor pattern and limits the ability of animals to efficiently exploit their environment according to a light intensity-dependent relationship. However, results indicate that a dark corridor allows partial compensation partly preserving general activities. This study highlights the necessity to consider light pollution during the implementation of conservation plans and the relevance of nocturnal frames.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Le Tallec
- UMR 7179 MECADEV, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 1 avenue du petit Château, 91800, Brunoy, France.
| | - Clara Hozer
- UMR 7179 MECADEV, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 1 avenue du petit Château, 91800, Brunoy, France
| | - Martine Perret
- UMR 7179 MECADEV, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 1 avenue du petit Château, 91800, Brunoy, France
| | - Marc Théry
- UMR 7179 MECADEV, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 1 avenue du petit Château, 91800, Brunoy, France
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2
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Hao Q, Wang L, Liu G, Ren Z, Wu Y, Yu Z, Yu J. Exploring the construction of urban artificial light ecology: a systematic review and the future prospects of light pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:101963-101988. [PMID: 37667125 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29462-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is rapidly growing and expanding globally, posing threats to ecological safety. Urban light pollution prevention and control are moving toward urban artificial light ecology construction. To clarify the need for light ecology construction, this work analyzes 1690 articles on ALAN and light pollution and 604 on ecological light pollution from 1998 to 2022. The development process and thematic evolution of light pollution research are combed through, the historical inevitability of artificial light ecology construction is excavated, and the ecological risks of light pollution to typical animals are summarized. The results show that international research has advanced to the ecological risk factors of light pollution and the related stress mechanisms, the quantification, prediction, and pre-warning by multiple technical means, and the translation of light pollution research outcomes to prevention and control practices. While Chinese scholars have begun to pay attention to the ecological risks of light pollution, the evaluation indicators and prevention and control measures remain primarily based on human-centered needs. Therefore, a more integrated demand-side framework of light ecology construction that comprehensively considers multiple risk receptors is further constructed. Given the development trend in China, we clarified the consistency of the ecological effect of landscape lighting with landsense ecology and the consistency of light ecological risk prevention and control with the concept of One Health. Ultimately, landsense light ecology is proposed based on the "One Health" concept. This work is expected to provide a reference and inspiration for future construction of urban artificial light ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingli Hao
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Lixiong Wang
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Gang Liu
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zhuofei Ren
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yuting Wu
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zejun Yu
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Juan Yu
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Physical Environment and Ecological Technology, Tianjin, 300072, China.
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, China.
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3
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Aparício G, Carrilho M, Oliveira F, Mathias MDL, Tapisso JT, von Merten S. Artificial light affects the foraging behavior in greater white‐toothed shrews (
CROCIDURA RUSSULA
). Ethology 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Aparício
- CESAM – Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa Lisboa Portugal
| | - Maílis Carrilho
- CESAM – Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa Lisboa Portugal
| | - Flávio Oliveira
- CESAM – Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa Lisboa Portugal
| | - Maria da Luz Mathias
- CESAM – Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa Lisboa Portugal
| | - Joaquim T. Tapisso
- CESAM – Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa Lisboa Portugal
| | - Sophie von Merten
- CESAM – Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia Animal Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa Lisboa Portugal
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4
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Mariton L, Kerbiriou C, Bas Y, Zanda B, Le Viol I. Even low light pollution levels affect the spatial distribution and timing of activity of a "light tolerant" bat species. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 305:119267. [PMID: 35398157 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
By disrupting nocturnal landscapes worldwide, light pollution caused by Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) is recognized as a major threat to biodiversity. As even low light intensities might affect some taxa, concerns are arising about biological responses to widespread low light levels. We used data from a French citizen science bat monitoring program (1894 full-nights monitored on 1055 sites) to explore the landscape-scale effects of light on an open-space-foraging bat species, the Serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus). We assessed this species' abundance and timing of night-time activity (median time of activity) at foraging sites. ALAN, and to a lesser extent moonlight, reduced E. serotinus abundance. ALAN delayed activity, and this delay was amplified during overcast nights. On the contrary, where there was no ALAN, the higher the cloud cover, the earlier the activity occurred. Cloud cover likely darkened the night sky in rural locations, whereas it amplified skyglow in light-polluted places, increasing ALAN effects on bats. Interestingly, moonlight also delayed activity but this effect was weakened where there was ALAN. Our study shows that even fine variations of light levels could affect the spatiotemporal distribution of a common species usually considered to be "light tolerant", with potential cascading effects on individual fitness and population dynamics. It stresses how urgent it is to preserve and restore dark areas to protect biodiversity from light pollution while working on light intensity and directivity where ALAN is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Mariton
- Centre d'Écologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, CP 135, 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France; Centre d'Écologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Station de Biologie Marine, 1 Place de La Croix, 29900, Concarneau, France; Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 61 Rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Christian Kerbiriou
- Centre d'Écologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, CP 135, 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France; Centre d'Écologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Station de Biologie Marine, 1 Place de La Croix, 29900, Concarneau, France.
| | - Yves Bas
- Centre d'Écologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, CP 135, 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France; Centre d'Écologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, École Pratique des Hautes Études, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France.
| | - Brigitte Zanda
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 61 Rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Isabelle Le Viol
- Centre d'Écologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, CP 135, 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France; Centre d'Écologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Station de Biologie Marine, 1 Place de La Croix, 29900, Concarneau, France.
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5
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Moralia MA, Quignon C, Simonneaux M, Simonneaux V. Environmental disruption of reproductive rhythms. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:100990. [PMID: 35227765 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction is a key biological function requiring a precise synchronization with annual and daily cues to cope with environmental fluctuations. Therefore, humans and animals have developed well-conserved photoneuroendocrine pathways to integrate and process daily and seasonal light signals within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. However, in the past century, industrialization and the modern 24/7 human lifestyle have imposed detrimental changes in natural habitats and rhythms of life. Indeed, exposure to an excessive amount of artificial light at inappropriate timing because of shift work and nocturnal urban lighting, as well as the ubiquitous environmental contamination by endocrine-disrupting chemicals, threaten the integrity of the daily and seasonal timing of biological functions. Here, we review recent epidemiological, field and experimental studies to discuss how light and chemical pollution of the environment can disrupt reproductive rhythms by interfering with the photoneuroendocrine timing system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Azélie Moralia
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Clarisse Quignon
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marine Simonneaux
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valérie Simonneaux
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France.
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6
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A Systematic Review for Establishing Relevant Environmental Parameters for Urban Lighting: Translating Research into Practice. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14031107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The application of lighting technologies developed in the 20th century has increased the brightness and changed the spectral composition of nocturnal night-time habitats and night skies across urban, peri-urban, rural, and pristine landscapes, and subsequently, researchers have observed the disturbance of biological rhythms of flora and fauna. To reduce these impacts, it is essential to translate relevant knowledge about the potential adverse effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) from research into applicable urban lighting practice. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify and report, via a systematic review, the effects of exposure to different physical properties of artificial light sources on various organism groups, including plants, arthropods, insects, spiders, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and non-human mammals (including bats, rodents, and primates). PRISMA 2020 guidelines were used to identify a total of 1417 studies from Web of Science and PubMed. In 216 studies, diverse behavioral and physiological responses were observed across taxa when organisms were exposed to ALAN. The studies showed that the responses were dependent on high illuminance levels, duration of light exposure, and unnatural color spectra at night and also highlighted where research gaps remain in the domains of ALAN research and urban lighting practice. To avoid misinterpretation, and to define a common language, key terminologies and definitions connected to natural and artificial light have been provided. Furthermore, the adverse impacts of ALAN urgently need to be better researched, understood, and managed for the development of future lighting guidelines and standards to optimize sustainable design applications that preserve night-time environment(s) and their inhabiting flora and fauna.
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7
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Boslett A, Hill E, Ma L, Zhang L. Rural Light Pollution from Shale Gas Development and Associated Sleep and Subjective Well-Being. RESOURCE AND ENERGY ECONOMICS 2021; 64:101220. [PMID: 36643952 PMCID: PMC9835726 DOI: 10.1016/j.reseneeco.2021.101220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The shale oil and gas boom has had large economic, environmental, and social impacts on rural communities in the United States. This study provides novel estimates of the impacts of shale oil and gas development on light pollution in rural areas of the United States. Using nationwide, time-calibrated DMSP-OLS database from 2000 to 2012, we find robust evidence that the shale oil and gas boom significantly increased light pollution in rural areas. We then assess associations between horizontal drilling and subjective self-rated health using nationwide data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 2000 to 2012. Our findings suggest that insufficient sleep and poor health (physical or mental) are associated with increased drilling in rural areas. These results provide support for drilling-related light pollution as an additional environmental pathway of concern for public health beyond the mechanisms of air or water pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Boslett
- Dept. of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester NY, USA 14620
| | - Elaine Hill
- Dept. of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester NY, USA 14620
- Dept. of Economics, University of Rochester, Rochester NY, USA 14620
| | - Lala Ma
- Dept. of Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA 40506
| | - Lujia Zhang
- Dept. of Economics, University of Rochester, Rochester NY, USA 14620
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8
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Dominy NJ, Melin AD. Liminal Light and Primate Evolution. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANTHROPOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anthro-010220-075454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The adaptive origins of primates and anthropoid primates are topics of enduring interest to biological anthropologists. A convention in these discussions is to treat the light environment as binary—night is dark, day is light—and to impute corresponding selective pressure on the visual systems and behaviors of primates. In consequence, debate has tended to focus on whether a given trait can be interpreted as evidence of nocturnal or diurnal behavior in the primate fossil record. Such classification elides the variability in light, or the ways that primates internalize light in their environments. Here, we explore the liminality of light by focusing on what it is, its many sources, and its flux under natural conditions. We conclude by focusing on the intensity and spectral properties of twilight, and we review the mounting evidence of its importance as a cue that determines the onset or offset of primate activities as well as the entrainment of circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel J. Dominy
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, USA
| | - Amanda D. Melin
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
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9
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Shier DM, Bird AK, Wang TB. Effects of artificial light at night on the foraging behavior of an endangered nocturnal mammal. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114566. [PMID: 32320890 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Modification of nighttime light levels by artificial illumination (artificial light at night; ALAN) is a rapidly increasing form of human disturbance that affects natural environments worldwide. Light in natural environments influences a variety of physiological and ecological processes directly and indirectly and, as a result, the effects of light pollution on species, communities and ecosystems are emerging as significant. Small prey species may be particularly susceptible to ALAN as it makes them more conspicuous and thus more vulnerable to predation by visually oriented predators. Understanding the effects of disturbance like ALAN is especially important for threatened or endangered species as impacts have the potential to impede recovery, but due to low population numbers inherent to at-risk species, disturbance is rarely studied. The endangered Stephens' kangaroo rat (SKR), Dipodomys stephensi, is a nocturnal rodent threatened by habitat destruction from urban expansion. The degree to which ALAN impacts their recovery is unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of ALAN on SKR foraging decisions across a gradient of light intensity for two types of ALAN, flood and bug lights (756 vs 300 lumen, respectfully) during full and new moon conditions. We found that ALAN decreased probability of resource patch depletion compared to controls. Moreover, lunar illumination, distance from the light source and light type interacted to alter SKR foraging. Under the new moon, SKR were consistently more likely to deplete patches under control conditions, but there was an increasing probability of patch depletion with distance from the source of artificial light. The full moon dampened SKR foraging activity and the effect of artificial lights. Our study underscores that ALAN reduces habitat suitability, and raises the possibility that ALAN may impede the recovery of at-risk nocturnal rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra M Shier
- Recovery Ecology, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Alicia K Bird
- Recovery Ecology, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, USA; Department of Evolution & Ecology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Thea B Wang
- Recovery Ecology, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, USA
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10
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Sun B, Zhang Y, Zhou Q, Gao D. Street-Scale Analysis of Population Exposure to Light Pollution Based on Remote Sensing and Mobile Big Data-Shenzhen City as a Case. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20092728. [PMID: 32403250 PMCID: PMC7248970 DOI: 10.3390/s20092728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Most studies on light pollution are based on light intensity retrieved from nighttime light (NTL) remote sensing with less consideration of the population factors. Furthermore, the coarse spatial resolution of traditional NTL remote sensing data limits the refined applications in current smart city studies. In order to analyze the influence of light pollution on populated areas, this study proposes an index named population exposure to light pollution (PELP) and conducts a street-scale analysis to illustrate spatial variation of PELP among residential areas in cites. By taking Shenzhen city as a case, multi-source data were combined including high resolution NTL remote sensing data from the Luojia 1-01 satellite sensor, high-precision mobile big data for visualizing human activities and population distribution as well as point of interest (POI) data. Results show that the main influenced areas of light pollution are concentrated in the downtown and core areas of newly expanded areas with obvious deviation corrected like traditional serious light polluted regions (e.g., ports). In comparison, commercial–residential mixed areas and village-in-city show a high level of PELP. The proposed method better presents the extent of population exposure to light pollution at a fine-grid scale and the regional difference between different types of residential areas in a city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (B.S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yang Zhang
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (B.S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Qiming Zhou
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (B.S.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University, KLN, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Duo Gao
- TalkingData Co., Ltd., Beijing 100027, China;
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11
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Touzot M, Lengagne T, Secondi J, Desouhant E, Théry M, Dumet A, Duchamp C, Mondy N. Artificial light at night alters the sexual behaviour and fertilisation success of the common toad. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 259:113883. [PMID: 31931411 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) is an emerging pollution, that dramatically keeps on increasing worldwide due to urbanisation and transport infrastructure development. In 2016, it nearly affected 23% of the Earth's surface. To date, all terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems have been affected. The disruption of natural light cycles due to ALAN is particularly expected for nocturnal species, which require dark periods to forage, move, and reproduce. Apart from chiropterans, amphibians contain the largest proportion of nocturnal species among vertebrates exhibiting an unfavourable conservation status in most parts of the world and living in ALAN polluted areas. Despite the growing number of studies on this subject, our knowledge on the direct influence of nocturnal lighting on amphibians is still scarce. To better understand the consequences of ALAN on the breeding component of amphibian fitness, we experimentally exposed male breeding common toads (Bufo bufo) to ecologically relevant light intensities of 0.01 (control), 0.1 or 5 lux for 12 days. At mating, exposed males took longer than controls to form an amplexus, i.e. to pair with a female, and broke amplexus before egg laying, while controls never did. These behavioural changes were associated with fitness alteration. The fertilisation rate of 5 lux-exposed males was reduced by 25%. Salivary testosterone, which is usually correlated with reproductive behaviours, was not altered by ALAN. Our study demonstrates that ALAN can affect the breeding behaviour of anuran species and reduce one component of their fitness. Given the growing importance of ALAN, more work is needed to understand its long-term consequences on the behaviour and physiology of individuals. It appears essential to identify deleterious effects for animal populations and propose appropriate management solutions in an increasingly brighter world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Touzot
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, Villeurbanne, F-69622, France.
| | - Thierry Lengagne
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, Villeurbanne, F-69622, France
| | - Jean Secondi
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, Villeurbanne, F-69622, France; Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Angers, 49045, Angers, France
| | - Emmanuel Desouhant
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5558 LBBE, Villeurbanne, F-69622, France
| | - Marc Théry
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), UMR 7179, Brunoy, F-91800, France
| | - Adeline Dumet
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, Villeurbanne, F-69622, France
| | - Claude Duchamp
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, Villeurbanne, F-69622, France
| | - Nathalie Mondy
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023 LEHNA, Villeurbanne, F-69622, France
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12
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Working with Inadequate Tools: Legislative Shortcomings in Protection against Ecological Effects of Artificial Light at Night. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12062551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The fundamental change in nocturnal landscapes due to the increasing use of artificial light at night (ALAN) is recognized as being detrimental to the environment and raises important regulatory questions as to whether and how it should be regulated based on the manifold risks to the environment. Here, we present the results of an analysis of the current legal obligations on ALAN in context with a systematic review of adverse effects. The legal analysis includes the relevant aspects of European and German environmental law, specifically nature conservation and immission control. The review represents the results of 303 studies indicating significant disturbances of organisms and landscapes. We discuss the conditions for prohibitions by environmental laws and whether protection gaps persist and, hence, whether specific legislation for light pollution is necessary. While protection is predominantly provided for species with special protection status that reveal avoidance behavior of artificially lit landscapes and associated habitat loss, adverse effects on species and landscapes without special protection status are often unaddressed by existing regulations. Legislative shortcomings are caused by difficulties in proving adverse effect on the population level, detecting lighting malpractice, and applying the law to ALAN-related situations. Measures to reduce ALAN-induced environmental impacts are highlighted. We discuss whether an obligation to implement such measures is favorable for environmental protection and how regulations can be implemented.
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13
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Ecological light pollution affects anuran calling season, daily calling period, and sensitivity to light in natural Brazilian wetlands. Naturwissenschaften 2019; 106:46. [PMID: 31280391 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-019-1640-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Ecological light pollution alters an environment's light cycle, potentially affecting photoperiod-controlled behavior. Anurans, for example, generally breed nocturnally, and the influence of light pollution on their natural history may therefore be especially strong. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by measuring male calling behavior of anuran communities in natural wetlands in southern Brazil exposed or not exposed to street lights. We recorded seasonal and diel calling activity and calling response to a light pulse. The peak calling season differed between continuously lit and unlit locations with most species in illuminated wetlands shortening their calling season and calling earlier in the year. In unlit breeding sites, Boana pulchella, Pseudis minuta, and Pseudopaludicola falcipes confined their calling activity to well-defined hours of the night, but in continuously lit areas, these species called more continuously through the night. A 2-minute light pulse inhibited calling, but only in unlit wetlands. After a light pulse, frogs quickly resumed calling-suggesting acclimatization to brief artificial light exposure. Our field experiment presents a convincing example of ecological light pollution showing that artificial light alters the seasonal and diel calling time of some South American wetland anurans. It also documents their acclimatization to brief lighting when being continuously exposed to light.
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Portugal SJ, White CR, Frappell PB, Green JA, Butler PJ. Impacts of "supermoon" events on the physiology of a wild bird. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:7974-7984. [PMID: 31380065 PMCID: PMC6662397 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The position of the Moon in relation to the Earth and the Sun gives rise to several predictable cycles, and natural changes in nighttime light intensity are known to cause alterations to physiological processes and behaviors in many animals. The limited research undertaken to date on the physiological responses of animals to the lunar illumination has exclusively focused on the synodic lunar cycle (full moon to full moon, or moon phase) but the moon's orbit-its distance from the Earth-may also be relevant. Every month, the moon moves from apogee, its most distant point from Earth-and then to perigee, its closest point to Earth. Here, we studied wild barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) to investigate the influence of multiple interacting lunar cycles on the physiology of diurnally active animals. Our study, which uses biologging technology to continually monitor body temperature and heart rate for an entire annual cycle, asks whether there is evidence for a physiological response to natural cycles in lunar brightness in wild birds, particularly "supermoon" phenomena, where perigee coincides with a full moon. There was a three-way interaction between lunar phase, lunar distance, and cloud cover as predictors of nighttime mean body temperature, such that body temperature was highest on clear nights when the full moon coincided with perigee moon. Our study is the first to report the physiological responses of wild birds to "supermoon" events; the wild geese responded to the combination of two independent lunar cycles, by significantly increasing their body temperature at night. That wild birds respond to natural fluctuations in nighttime ambient light levels support the documented responses of many species to anthropogenic sources of artificial light, that birds seem unable to override. As most biological systems are arguably organized foremost by light, this suggests that any interactions between lunar cycles and local weather conditions could have significant impacts on the energy budgets of birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Portugal
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal HollowayUniversity of LondonEghamSurreyUK
| | - Craig R. White
- Centre for Geometric Biology, School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Peter B. Frappell
- Office of the Dean of Graduate ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
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15
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Mascovich KA, Larson LR, Andrews KM. Lights on, or Lights Off? Hotel Guests' Response to Nonpersonal Educational Outreach Designed to Protect Nesting Sea Turtles. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1299.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katie A. Mascovich
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602 USA [; kma7
| | - Lincoln R. Larson
- Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, No
| | - Kimberly M. Andrews
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602 USA [; kma7
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16
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McLay LK, Nagarajan-Radha V, Green MP, Jones TM. Dim artificial light at night affects mating, reproductive output, and reactive oxygen species inDrosophila melanogaster. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2018; 329:419-428. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Katherine McLay
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | - Mark Philip Green
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Therésa Melanie Jones
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
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17
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Ouyang JQ, Davies S, Dominoni D. Hormonally mediated effects of artificial light at night on behavior and fitness: linking endocrine mechanisms with function. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:221/6/jeb156893. [PMID: 29545373 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.156893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Alternation between day and night is a predictable environmental fluctuation that organisms use to time their activities. Since the invention of artificial lighting, this predictability has been disrupted and continues to change in a unidirectional fashion with increasing urbanization. As hormones mediate individual responses to changing environments, endocrine systems might be one of the first systems affected, as well as being the first line of defense to ameliorate any negative health impacts. In this Review, we first highlight how light can influence endocrine function in vertebrates. We then focus on four endocrine axes that might be affected by artificial light at night (ALAN): pineal, reproductive, adrenal and thyroid. Throughout, we highlight key findings, rather than performing an exhaustive review, in order to emphasize knowledge gaps that are hindering progress on proposing impactful and concrete plans to ameliorate the negative effects of ALAN. We discuss these findings with respect to impacts on human and animal health, with a focus on the consequences of anthropogenic modification of the night-time environment for non-human organisms. Lastly, we stress the need for the integration of field and lab experiments as well as the need for long-term integrative eco-physiological studies in the rapidly expanding field of light pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Q Ouyang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Scott Davies
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
| | - Davide Dominoni
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6708 Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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18
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Seymoure BM. Enlightening Butterfly Conservation Efforts: The Importance of Natural Lighting for Butterfly Behavioral Ecology and Conservation. INSECTS 2018; 9:E22. [PMID: 29439549 PMCID: PMC5872287 DOI: 10.3390/insects9010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Light is arguably the most important abiotic factor for living organisms. Organisms evolved under specific lighting conditions and their behavior, physiology, and ecology are inexorably linked to light. Understanding light effects on biology could not be more important as present anthropogenic effects are greatly changing the light environments in which animals exist. The two biggest anthropogenic contributors changing light environments are: (1) anthropogenic lighting at night (i.e., light pollution); and (2) deforestation and the built environment. I highlight light importance for butterfly behavior, physiology, and ecology and stress the importance of including light as a conservation factor for conserving butterfly biodiversity. This review focuses on four parts: (1) Introducing the nature and extent of light. (2) Visual and non-visual light reception in butterflies. (3) Implications of unnatural lighting for butterflies across several different behavioral and ecological contexts. (4). Future directions for quantifying the threat of unnatural lighting on butterflies and simple approaches to mitigate unnatural light impacts on butterflies. I urge future research to include light as a factor and end with the hopeful thought that controlling many unnatural light conditions is simply done by flipping a switch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M Seymoure
- Department of Biology and Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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19
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Da Silva A, Kempenaers B. Singing from North to South: Latitudinal variation in timing of dawn singing under natural and artificial light conditions. J Anim Ecol 2017; 86:1286-1297. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Da Silva
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary GeneticsMax Planck Institute for Ornithology Seewiesen Germany
| | - Bart Kempenaers
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary GeneticsMax Planck Institute for Ornithology Seewiesen Germany
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20
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McLay LK, Green MP, Jones TM. Chronic exposure to dim artificial light at night decreases fecundity and adult survival in Drosophila melanogaster. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 100:15-20. [PMID: 28499591 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The presence of artificial light at night is expanding in geographical range and increasing in intensity to such an extent that species living in urban environments may never experience natural darkness. The negative ecological consequences of artificial night lighting have been identified in several key life history traits across multiple taxa (albeit with a strong vertebrate focus); comparable data for invertebrates is lacking. In this study, we explored the effect of chronic exposure to different night-time lighting intensities on growth, reproduction and survival in Drosophila melanogaster. We reared three generations of flies under identical daytime light conditions (2600lx) and one of four ecologically relevant ALAN treatments (0, 1, 10 or 100lx), then explored variation in oviposition, number of eggs produced, juvenile growth and survival and adult survival. We found that, in the presence of light at night (1, 10 and 100lx treatments), the probability of a female commencing oviposition and the number of eggs laid was significantly reduced. This did not translate into differences at the juvenile phase: juvenile development times and the probability of eclosing as an adult were comparable across all treatments. However, we demonstrate for the first time a direct link between chronic exposure to light at night (greater than 1lx) and adult survival. Our data highlight that ALAN has the capacity to cause dramatic shifts in multiple life history traits at both the individual and population level. Such shifts are likely to be species-specific, however a more in depth understanding of the broad-scale impact of ALAN and the relevant mechanisms driving biological change is urgently required as we move into an increasing brightly lit future.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K McLay
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - M P Green
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - T M Jones
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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21
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Yumnamcha T, Khan ZA, Rajiv C, Devi SD, Mondal G, Sanjita Devi H, Bharali R, Chattoraj A. Interaction of melatonin and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone on the zebrafish brain-pituitary-reproductive axis. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:389-400. [PMID: 28295807 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Circadian cycles and photoperiod are known to influence reproductive physiology in several animals. Neuropeptides, such as gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GNIH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH), are influenced by melatonin in birds and mammals. The present study demonstrates the role of melatonin in oocyte maturation in the zebrafish (Danio rerio), via the brain-pituitary-reproductive axis, under different photic conditions. Melatonin was significantly higher both in the whole brain and ovary under continuous dark (DD) compared to continuous light (LL) conditions. Transcription of gnih in the brain was high in LL, but low in DD; similarly, melatonin exogenous treatment reduced gnih in cultured brain in a dose-dependent manner. Expression of gnrh3, however, was high in both continuous photic conditions (DD and LL), whereas fshb and lhb were high only during DD. kiss2, another neuropeptide, was high in LL, but kiss1 remain unchanged among the conditions. At the gonad level, expression of fshr, lhcgr, mtnr1aa, and mtnr1ab tracked with the expression of their respective ligand in DD and LL. The expression of mprb is high in DD ovary, although intra-ovarian growth factors (tgfb1a and bmp15) were low. The measured increased percentages of germinal vesicle breakdown, expression of Cyclin B1, and reduced Cdc2p34 phosphorylation are consistent with increased maturation in the dark. Our study thus links melatonin to the inhibition of gnih in the brain-pituitary-reproductive axis of zebrafish in response to photic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thangal Yumnamcha
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Animal Resources Programme, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Government of India, Imphal, Manipur, India
| | - Zeeshan A Khan
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Animal Resources Programme, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Government of India, Imphal, Manipur, India
| | - Chongtham Rajiv
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Animal Resources Programme, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Government of India, Imphal, Manipur, India
| | - Sijagurumayum D Devi
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Animal Resources Programme, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Government of India, Imphal, Manipur, India
| | - Gopinath Mondal
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Animal Resources Programme, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Government of India, Imphal, Manipur, India
| | - Haobijam Sanjita Devi
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Animal Resources Programme, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Government of India, Imphal, Manipur, India
| | - Rupjyoti Bharali
- Department of Biotechnology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Asamanja Chattoraj
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Animal Resources Programme, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Government of India, Imphal, Manipur, India
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22
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Rajiv C, Sanjita Devi H, Mondal G, Devi SD, Khan ZA, Yumnamcha T, Bharali R, Chattoraj A. Daily and Seasonal Expression Profile of Serum Melatonin and Its Biosynthesizing Enzyme Genes (tph1, aanat1, aanat2, andhiomt) in Pineal Organ and Retina: A Study under Natural Environmental Conditions in a Tropical Carp,Catla catla. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 325:688-700. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chongtham Rajiv
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory; Animal Resources Programme; Department of Biotechnology; Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development; Imphal India
| | - Haobijam Sanjita Devi
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory; Animal Resources Programme; Department of Biotechnology; Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development; Imphal India
| | - Gopinath Mondal
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory; Animal Resources Programme; Department of Biotechnology; Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development; Imphal India
| | - Sijagurumayum Dharmajyoti Devi
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory; Animal Resources Programme; Department of Biotechnology; Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development; Imphal India
| | - Zeeshan Ahmad Khan
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory; Animal Resources Programme; Department of Biotechnology; Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development; Imphal India
| | - Thangal Yumnamcha
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory; Animal Resources Programme; Department of Biotechnology; Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development; Imphal India
| | | | - Asamanja Chattoraj
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory; Animal Resources Programme; Department of Biotechnology; Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development; Imphal India
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23
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Da Silva A, de Jong M, van Grunsven RHA, Visser ME, Kempenaers B, Spoelstra K. Experimental illumination of a forest: no effects of lights of different colours on the onset of the dawn chorus in songbirds. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:160638. [PMID: 28280562 PMCID: PMC5319328 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Light pollution is increasing exponentially, but its impact on animal behaviour is still poorly understood. For songbirds, the most repeatable finding is that artificial night lighting leads to an earlier daily onset of dawn singing. Most of these studies are, however, correlational and cannot entirely dissociate effects of light pollution from other effects of urbanization. In addition, there are no studies in which the effects of different light colours on singing have been tested. Here, we investigated whether the timing of dawn singing in wild songbirds is influenced by artificial light using an experimental set-up with conventional street lights. We illuminated eight previously dark forest edges with white, green, red or no light, and recorded daily onset of dawn singing during the breeding season. Based on earlier work, we predicted that onset of singing would be earlier in the lighted treatments, with the strongest effects in the early-singing species. However, we found no significant effect of the experimental night lighting (of any colour) in the 14 species for which we obtained sufficient data. Confounding effects of urbanization in previous studies may explain these results, but we also suggest that the experimental night lighting may not have been strong enough to have an effect on singing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Da Silva
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Maaike de Jong
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roy H. A. van Grunsven
- Nature Conservation and Plant Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel E. Visser
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Kempenaers
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Kamiel Spoelstra
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
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24
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Robert KA, Lesku JA, Partecke J, Chambers B. Artificial light at night desynchronizes strictly seasonal reproduction in a wild mammal. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:20151745. [PMID: 26423847 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.1745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Change in day length is an important cue for reproductive activation in seasonally breeding animals to ensure that the timing of greatest maternal investment (e.g. lactation in mammals) coincides with favourable environmental conditions (e.g. peak productivity). However, artificial light at night has the potential to interfere with the perception of such natural cues. Following a 5-year study on two populations of wild marsupial mammals exposed to different night-time levels of anthropogenic light, we show that light pollution in urban environments masks seasonal changes in ambient light cues, suppressing melatonin levels and delaying births in the tammar wallaby. These results highlight a previously unappreciated relationship linking artificial light at night with induced changes in mammalian reproductive physiology, and the potential for larger-scale impacts at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie A Robert
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - John A Lesku
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - Jesko Partecke
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Radolfzell 78315, Germany Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz 78457, Germany
| | - Brian Chambers
- School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
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25
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Le Tallec T, Théry M, Perret M. Melatonin concentrations and timing of seasonal reproduction in male mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) exposed to light pollution. J Mammal 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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26
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Duffy JP, Bennie J, Durán AP, Gaston KJ. Mammalian ranges are experiencing erosion of natural darkness. Sci Rep 2015; 5:12042. [PMID: 26155917 PMCID: PMC4496780 DOI: 10.1038/srep12042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The continuous increase in the intensity and extent of anthropogenic artificial light has significantly shaped Earth’s nighttime environment. This environmental change has effects across the natural world, with consequences for organismal physiology and behaviour and the abundances and distributions of species. Here, we evaluate for the first time the relations between the spatio-temporal patterns of anthropogenic nighttime light and the distribution of terrestrial mammals, one of the most endangered species groups and one that expresses varying time partitioning strategies. Using descriptive statistics, trend tests and spatial prioritization analysis we show that in most places on earth there is a terrestrial mammal species whose range is experiencing detectable artificial light. For most species this tends only to be for small parts of their range, and those affected across large parts are typically rare. Over time (1992–2012), an increase in mean light intensity was found for the ranges of the majority of species, with very few experiencing a decrease. Moreover, nocturnal species are more likely to experience an increase in light within their ranges. This is of conservation concern as many terrestrial mammals are nocturnal and therefore often particularly vulnerable to a pressure such as artificial light at night.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Duffy
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Jonathan Bennie
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - América P Durán
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Kevin J Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
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