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Botté A, Payton L, Lefeuvre E, Tran D. Is part-night lighting a suitable mitigation strategy to limit Artificial Light at Night effects on the biological rhythm at the behavioral and molecular scales of the oyster Crassostrea gigas? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167052. [PMID: 37714354 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is a fast-spreading threat to organisms, especially in coastal environments, where night lighting is increasing due to constant anthropization. Considering that ALAN affects a large diversity of coastal organisms, finding efficient solutions to limit these effects is of great importance but poorly investigated. The potential benefit of one strategy, in particular, should be studied since its use is growing: part-night lighting (PNL), which consists in switching off the lights for a few hours during nighttime. The aim of this study is to investigate the positive potential of the PNL strategy on the daily rhythm of the oyster Crassostrea gigas, a key species of coastal areas of ecological and commercial interest. Oysters were exposed to a control condition and three different ALAN modalities. A realistic PNL condition is applied, recreating a strategy of city policy in a coastal city boarding an urbanized bay (Lanton, Arcachon Bay, France). The PNL modality consists in switching off ALAN direct sources (5 lx) for 4 h (23-3 h) during which oysters are in darkness. Then, a PNL + skyglow (PNL + S) modality reproduces the previous one mimicking a skyglow (0.1 lx), an indirect ALAN source, during the direct lighting switch off, to get as close as possible to realistic conditions. Finally, the third ALAN condition mimics full-night direct lighting (FNL). Results revealed that PNL reduces some adverse effects of FNL on the behavioral daily rhythm. But, counterintuitively, PNL + S appears more harmful than FNL for some parameters of the behavioral daily rhythm. PNL + S modality is also the only one that affect oysters' clock and melatonin synthesis gene expression, suggesting physiological consequences. Thus, in realistic conditions, the PNL mitigation strategy might not be beneficial in the presence of skyglow, seeing worse for a coastal organism such as the oysters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Botté
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33120 Arcachon, France
| | - Laura Payton
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33120 Arcachon, France
| | - Elisa Lefeuvre
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33120 Arcachon, France
| | - Damien Tran
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33120 Arcachon, France.
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Seymoure B, Dell A, Hölker F, Kalinkat G. A framework for untangling the consequences of artificial light at night on species interactions. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220356. [PMID: 37899016 PMCID: PMC10613547 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Although much evidence exists showing organismal consequences from artificial light at night (ALAN), large knowledge gaps remain regarding ALAN affecting species interactions. Species interactions occur via shared spatio-temporal niches among species, which may be determined by natural light levels. We review how ALAN is altering these spatio-temporal niches through expanding twilight or full Moon conditions and constricting nocturnal conditions as well as creating patches of bright and dark. We review literature from a database to determine if ALAN is affecting species interactions via spatio-temporal dynamics. The literature indicates a growing interest in ALAN and species interactions: 58% of the studies we analysed have been published since 2020. Seventy-five of 79 studies found ALAN altered species interactions. Enhancements and reductions of species interactions were equally documented. Many studies revealed ALAN affecting species interactions spatially, but few revealed temporal alterations. There are biases regarding species interactions and ALAN-most studies investigated predator-prey interactions with vertebrates as predators and invertebrates as prey. Following this literature review, we suggest avenues, such as remote sensing and animal tracking, that can guide future research on the consequences of ALAN on species interactions across spatial and temporal axes. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Seymoure
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Anthony Dell
- National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, Alton, IL 62024, USA
- Department of Biology, WashingtonUniversity in St Louis, St Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Franz Hölker
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gregor Kalinkat
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), 14195 Berlin, Germany
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Heinen R, Sanchez-Mahecha O, Martijn Bezemer T, Dominoni DM, Knappe C, Kollmann J, Kopatsch A, Pfeiffer ZA, Schloter M, Sturm S, Schnitzler JP, Corina Vlot A, Weisser WW. Part-night exposure to artificial light at night has more detrimental effects on aphid colonies than fully lit nights. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220357. [PMID: 37899021 PMCID: PMC10613545 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) threatens natural ecosystems globally. While ALAN research is increasing, little is known about how ALAN affects plants and interactions with other organisms. We explored the effects of ALAN on plant defence and plant-insect interactions using barley (Hordeum vulgare) and the English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae). Plants were exposed to 'full' or 'part' nights of 15-20 lux ALAN, or no ALAN 'control' nights, to test the effects of ALAN on plant growth and defence. Although plant growth was only minimally affected by ALAN, aphid colony growth and aphid maturation were reduced significantly by ALAN treatments. Importantly, we found strong differences between full-night and part-night ALAN treatments. Contrary to our expectations, part ALAN had stronger negative effects on aphid colony growth than full ALAN. Defence-associated gene expression was affected in some cases by ALAN, but also positively correlated with aphid colony size, suggesting that the effects of ALAN on plant defences are indirect, and regulated via direct disruption of aphid colonies rather than via ALAN-induced upregulation of defences. Mitigating ecological side effects of ALAN is a complex problem, as reducing exposure to ALAN increased its negative impact on insect herbivores. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Heinen
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Oriana Sanchez-Mahecha
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - T. Martijn Bezemer
- Institute of Biology, Section Plant Ecology and Phytochemistry, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Davide M. Dominoni
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland
| | - Claudia Knappe
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Kollmann
- Chair of Restoration Ecology, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich, 8534 Freising, Germany
| | - Anton Kopatsch
- Research Unit Environmental Simulation, Helmhotz, Munich, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Zoë A. Pfeiffer
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Michael Schloter
- Chair of Soil Science, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Research Unit Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmhotz, Munich, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Sturm
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Jörg-Peter Schnitzler
- Research Unit Environmental Simulation, Helmhotz, Munich, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - A. Corina Vlot
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Crop Plant Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health, University of Bayreuth, D-95447, Kulmbach, Germany
| | - Wolfgang W. Weisser
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Department for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
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Lafitte A, Sordello R, Legrand M, Nicolas V, Obein G, Reyjol Y. A flashing light may not be that flashy: A systematic review on critical fusion frequencies. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279718. [PMID: 36584184 PMCID: PMC9803175 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Light pollution could represent one of the main drivers behind the current biodiversity erosion. While the effects of many light components on biodiversity have already been studied, the influence of flicker remains poorly understood. The determination of the threshold frequency at which a flickering light is perceived as continuous by a species, usually called the Critical Fusion Frequency (CFF), could thus help further identify the impacts of artificial lighting on animals. OBJECTIVE This review aimed at answering the following questions: what is the distribution of CFF between species? Are there differences in how flicker is perceived between taxonomic classes? Which species are more at risk of being impacted by artificial lighting flicker? METHODS Citations were extracted from three literature databases and were then screened successively on their titles, abstracts and full-texts. Included studies were critically appraised to assess their validity. All relevant data were extracted and analysed to determine the distribution of CFF in the animal kingdom and the influence of experimental designs and species traits on CFF. RESULTS At first, 4881 citations were found. Screening and critical appraisal provided 200 CFF values for 156 species. Reported values of CFF varied from a maximum of between 300 Hz and 500 Hz for the beetle Melanophila acuminata D. to a mean of 0.57 (± 0.08) Hz for the snail Lissachatina fulica B. Insects and birds had higher CFF than all other studied taxa. Irrespective of taxon, nocturnal species had lower CFF than diurnal and crepuscular ones. CONCLUSIONS We identified nine crepuscular and nocturnal species that could be impacted by the potential adverse effects of anthropogenic light flicker. We emphasize that there remains a huge gap in our knowledge of flicker perception by animals, which could potentially be hampering our understanding of its impacts on biodiversity, especially in key taxa like bats, nocturnal birds and insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Lafitte
- PatriNat (Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)), Paris, France
- Association Française de l’Eclairage (AFE), Paris, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Romain Sordello
- PatriNat (Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)), Paris, France
| | - Marc Legrand
- PatriNat (Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)), Paris, France
- Association Française de l’Eclairage (AFE), Paris, France
- Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Virginie Nicolas
- Association des Concepteurs lumière et Eclairagistes (ACE), Paris, France
- Concepto, Arcueil, France
| | - Gaël Obein
- Association Française de l’Eclairage (AFE), Paris, France
- Laboratoire National de métrologie et d’Essais—Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (LNE-CNAM), Saint-Denis, France
| | - Yorick Reyjol
- PatriNat (Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)), Paris, France
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Hooker J, Lintott P, Stone E. Lighting up our waterways: Impacts of a current mitigation strategy on riparian bats. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119552. [PMID: 35654252 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Increasing levels of artificial light at night (ALAN) are a major threat to global biodiversity and can have negative impacts on a wide variety of organisms and their ecosystems. Nocturnal species such as bats are highly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of ALAN. A variety of lighting management strategies have been adopted to minimise the impacts of ALAN on wildlife, however relatively little is known about their effectiveness. Using an experimental approach, we provide the first evidence of negative impacts of part-night lighting (PNL) strategies on bats. Feeding activity of Myotis spp. was reduced along rivers exposed to PNL despite no reduction in overall bat activity. We also provide the first evidence of negative effects of PNL on both feeding and activity for Pipistrellus pipistrellus which has previously been recorded feeding under artificial light. Despite having considerable energy-saving benefits, we outline the potential negative impacts of PNL schemes for bats in riparian habitats. PNL are unlikely to provide desired conservation outcomes for bats, and can potentially fragment important foraging habitats leading to a breakdown of functional connectivity across the landscape. We highlight the potential dichotomy for strategies which attempt to simultaneously address climate change and biodiversity loss and recommend alternative management strategies to limit the impacts of ALAN on biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Hooker
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, England, BS16 1QY, UK.
| | - Paul Lintott
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, England, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Emma Stone
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, England, BS16 1QY, UK
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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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Faria S, Barros P, Bacelar E, Santos M, Carvalho D, Vale-Gonçalves H, Braz L, Travassos P, Cabral JA. A seasonal multi-level trophic approach for bat habitat suitability assessments in peri-urban deciduous forests. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-022-01560-3] [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]
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Elgert C, Lehtonen TK, Kaitala A, Candolin U. The duration of artificial light defines sexual signalling in the common glow-worm. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-03093-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Artificial light at night is increasing globally, interfering with both sensory ecology and temporal rhythms of organisms, from zooplankton to mammals. This interference can change the behaviour of the affected organisms, and hence compromise the viability of their populations. Limiting the use of artificial light may mitigate these negative effects. Accordingly, we investigated whether the duration of artificial light affects sexual signalling in female glow-worms, Lampyris noctiluca, which are flightless and attract flying males to mate by emitting glow that is interfered by light pollution. The study included three treatments: no artificial light (control), 15 min of artificial light, and 45 min of artificial light. The results show that females were more likely to cease glowing when the exposure to light was longer. Furthermore, small females were more likely to cease their glow, and responded faster to the light, than larger females. These findings suggest that glow-worms can react rapidly to anthropogenic changes in nocturnal light levels, and that prolonged periods of artificial light trigger females to stop sexual signalling. Thus, limiting the duration of artificial light can mitigate the adverse effects of light pollution on sexual signalling, highlighting the importance of such mitigation measures.
Significance statement
Interest in the effects of artificial light at night on animal behaviour has increased in recent years. With evidence for its negative impact accumulating, potential remedies, such as limiting the duration of light exposure, have emerged. To date, however, knowledge on the effectiveness of these methods has remained very limited. We show that female European common glow-worms, which are wingless beetles that glow to attract flying males to mate, responded to prolonged artificial light exposure by discontinuing their glow. Such non-glowing females are not expected to find a mate, making it difficult for them to reproduce. Hence, our study indicates that the duration of artificial light should be limited to protect this night-active beetle and its opportunities for effective sexual signalling. Because many other nocturnal species also need darkness, this study provides valuable information for the development and use of less disruptive night-time lights.
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Finch D, Schofield H, Mathews F. Traffic noise playback reduces the activity and feeding behaviour of free-living bats. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114405. [PMID: 32320902 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Increasing levels of road noise are creating new anthropogenic soundscapes that may affect wildlife globally. Bats, which form about a third of all mammal species, are sensitive bioindicators, and may be particularly vulnerable because of their dependency on echolocation. Here we present the first controlled field experiment with free-living bats. Using a Before-After-Control-Impact phantom road experimental design, we examine the impacts of traffic noise on their activity and feeding behaviour. Disentangling the impacts of traffic noise from other co-varying exposures such as habitat quality, the experiment demonstrates a significant negative effect on the activity of each of the five, ecologically different, species (genus for Myotis spp.) examined. This suggests that the results are widely applicable. The negative effects are largely attributable to noise in the sonic spectrum, which elicited aversive responses in all bat species tested,whereas responses to ultrasoundwere restricted to a single species. Our findings demonstrate that traffic noise can affect bat activity at least 20m away from the noise source. For Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus, feeding behaviour, as well as overall activity, was negatively affected. Ecological Impact Assessments are therfore needed wherever there are significant increases in traffic flow, and not just when new roads are built. Further research is required to identify effective mitigation strategies, to delineate the zone of influence of road noise, and to assess whether there is any habituation over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domhnall Finch
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Henry Schofield
- Vincent Wildlife Trust, Bronsil Courtyard, Eastnor, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1EP, UK
| | - Fiona Mathews
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK.
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Finch D, Smith BR, Marshall C, Coomber FG, Kubasiewicz LM, Anderson M, Wright PGR, Mathews F. Effects of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) on European Hedgehog Activity at Supplementary Feeding Stations. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050768. [PMID: 32354129 PMCID: PMC7278375 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
: Artificial light at night (ALAN) can have negative consequences for a wide range of taxa. However, the effects on nocturnal mammals other than bats are poorly understood. A citizen science camera trapping experiment was therefore used to assess the effect of ALAN on the activity of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) at supplementary feeding stations in UK gardens. A crossover design was implemented at 33 gardens with two treatments-artificial light and darkness-each of which lasted for one week. The order of treatment depended on the existing lighting regime at the feeding station: dark treatments were applied first at dark feeding stations, whereas light treatments were used first where the station was already illuminated. Although temporal changes in activity patterns in response to the treatments were noted in some individuals, the direction of the effects was not consistent. Similarly, there was no overall impact of ALAN on the presence or feeding activities of hedgehogs in gardens where supplementary feeding stations were present. These findings are somewhat reassuring insofar as they demonstrate no net negative effect on a species thought to be in decline, in scenarios where the animals are already habituated to supplementary feeding. However, further research is needed to examine long-term effects and the effects of lighting on hedgehog prey, reproductive success and predation risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domhnall Finch
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9QG, UK; (D.F.); (F.G.C.); (M.A.); (P.G.R.W.)
| | | | | | - Frazer G. Coomber
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9QG, UK; (D.F.); (F.G.C.); (M.A.); (P.G.R.W.)
- Mammal Society, London E9 6EJ, UK; (B.R.S.); (C.M.); (L.M.K.)
| | | | - Max Anderson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9QG, UK; (D.F.); (F.G.C.); (M.A.); (P.G.R.W.)
| | - Patrick G. R. Wright
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9QG, UK; (D.F.); (F.G.C.); (M.A.); (P.G.R.W.)
- Mammal Society, London E9 6EJ, UK; (B.R.S.); (C.M.); (L.M.K.)
| | - Fiona Mathews
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer BN1 9QG, UK; (D.F.); (F.G.C.); (M.A.); (P.G.R.W.)
- Mammal Society, London E9 6EJ, UK; (B.R.S.); (C.M.); (L.M.K.)
- Correspondence:
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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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Zeale MRK, Stone EL, Zeale E, Browne WJ, Harris S, Jones G. Experimentally manipulating light spectra reveals the importance of dark corridors for commuting bats. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:5909-5918. [PMID: 30288876 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The rapid global spread of artificial light at night is causing unprecedented disruption to ecosystems. In otherwise dark environments, street lights restrict the use of major flight routes by some bats, including the threatened lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros, and may disrupt foraging. Using radio tracking, we examined the response of individual female R. hipposideros to experimental street lights placed on hedgerows used as major flight routes. Hedgerows were illuminated on one side over four nights using lights with different emission spectra, while the opposite side of the hedge was not illuminated. Automated bat detectors were used to examine changes in overall bat activity by R. hipposideros and other bat species present. R. hipposideros activity reduced significantly under all light types, including red light, challenging a previously held assumption that red light is safe for bats. Despite this, R. hipposideros rapidly adapted to the presence of lights by switching their flight paths to the dark side of the hedgerow, enabling them to reach foraging sites without restriction. Red light had no effect on the activity of the other species present. Slow-flying Myotis spp. avoided orange, white and green light, while more agile Pipistrellus spp. were significantly more active at these light types compared to dark controls, most probably in response to accumulations of insect prey. No effect of any light type was found for Nyctalus or Eptesicus spp. Our findings demonstrate that caution must be used when promoting forms of lighting that are thought to be safe for wildlife before they are tested more widely. We argue that it is essential to preserve dark corridors to mitigate the impacts of artificial light at night on bat activity and movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt R K Zeale
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emma L Stone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emma Zeale
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Stephen Harris
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gareth Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Sanders D, Gaston KJ. How ecological communities respond to artificial light at night. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2018; 329:394-400. [PMID: 29656458 PMCID: PMC6220969 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many ecosystems worldwide are exposed to artificial light at night (ALAN), from streetlights and other sources, and a wide range of organisms has been shown to respond to this anthropogenic pressure. This raises concerns about the consequences for major ecosystem functions and their stability. However, there is limited understanding of how whole ecological communities respond to ALAN, and this cannot be gained simply by making predictions from observed single species physiological, behavioral, or ecological responses. Research needs to include an important building block of ecological communities, namely the interactions between species that drive ecological and evolutionary processes in ecosystems. Here, we summarize current knowledge about community responses to ALAN and illustrate different pathways and their impact on ecosystem functioning and stability. We discuss that documentation of the impact of ALAN on species interaction networks and trait distributions provides useful tools to link changes in community structure to ecosystem functions. Finally, we suggest several approaches to advance research that will link the diverse impact of ALAN to changes in ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Sanders
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom.,Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Institute for Advanced Study, Berlin, Germany
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15
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Davies TW, Smyth T. Why artificial light at night should be a focus for global change research in the 21st century. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:872-882. [PMID: 29124824 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The environmental impacts of artificial light at night have been a rapidly growing field of global change science in recent years. Yet, light pollution has not achieved parity with other global change phenomena in the level of concern and interest it receives from the scientific community, government and nongovernmental organizations. This is despite the globally widespread, expanding and changing nature of night-time lighting and the immediacy, severity and phylogenetic breath of its impacts. In this opinion piece, we evidence 10 reasons why artificial light at night should be a focus for global change research in the 21st century. Our reasons extend beyond those concerned principally with the environment, to also include impacts on human health, culture and biodiversity conservation more generally. We conclude that the growing use of night-time lighting will continue to raise numerous ecological, human health and cultural issues, but that opportunities exist to mitigate its impacts by combining novel technologies with sound scientific evidence. The potential gains from appropriate management extend far beyond those for the environment, indeed it may play a key role in transitioning towards a more sustainable society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Davies
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, UK
- Centre for Geography, Environment and Society, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Tim Smyth
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, Devon, UK
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16
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Rodríguez A, Holmes ND, Ryan PG, Wilson KJ, Faulquier L, Murillo Y, Raine AF, Penniman JF, Neves V, Rodríguez B, Negro JJ, Chiaradia A, Dann P, Anderson T, Metzger B, Shirai M, Deppe L, Wheeler J, Hodum P, Gouveia C, Carmo V, Carreira GP, Delgado-Alburqueque L, Guerra-Correa C, Couzi FX, Travers M, Corre ML. Seabird mortality induced by land-based artificial lights. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2017; 31:986-1001. [PMID: 28151557 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Artificial lights at night cause high mortality of seabirds, one of the most endangered groups of birds globally. Fledglings of burrow-nesting seabirds, and to a lesser extent adults, are attracted to and then grounded (i.e., forced to land) by lights when they fly at night. We reviewed the current state of knowledge of seabird attraction to light to identify information gaps and propose measures to address the problem. Although species in families such as Alcidae and Anatidae can be grounded by artificial light, the most affected seabirds are petrels and shearwaters (Procellariiformes). At least 56 species of Procellariiformes, more than one-third of them (24) threatened, are subject to grounding by lights. Seabirds grounded by lights have been found worldwide, mainly on oceanic islands but also at some continental locations. Petrel breeding grounds confined to formerly uninhabited islands are particularly at risk from light pollution due to tourism and urban sprawl. Where it is impractical to ban external lights, rescue programs of grounded birds offer the most immediate and employed mitigation to reduce the rate of light-induced mortality and save thousands of birds every year. These programs also provide useful information for seabird management. However, these data are typically fragmentary, biased, and uncertain and can lead to inaccurate impact estimates and poor understanding of the phenomenon of seabird attraction to lights. We believe the most urgently needed actions to mitigate and understand light-induced mortality of seabirds are estimation of mortality and effects on populations; determination of threshold light levels and safe distances from light sources; documentation of the fate of rescued birds; improvement of rescue campaigns, particularly in terms of increasing recovery rates and level of care; and research on seabird-friendly lights to reduce attraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airam Rodríguez
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Nick D Holmes
- Island Conservation, 2100 Delaware Avenue, Suite 1, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, U.S.A
| | - Peter G Ryan
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Kerry-Jayne Wilson
- West Coast Penguin Trust, P.O. Box 70, Charleston, 7865, West Coast, New Zealand
| | - Lucie Faulquier
- Ornithological Society of French Polynesia, P.O. Box 7023, 98719, Taravao, Tahiti
| | - Yovana Murillo
- Ringed Storm-Petrel Project, Joaquín Sorolla 157, Lima 41, Peru
| | - André F Raine
- Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, P.O. Box 81, Hanapepe 96741, Kauai, HI, U.S.A
| | - Jay F Penniman
- Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, 4234 Hana Highway, Haiku, 96708-5404, HI, U.S.A
| | - Verónica Neves
- Department of Oceanography & Fisheries (DOP), University of the Azores, MARE (Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre), IMAR (Institute of Marine Research), Rua Prof. Dr Frederico Machado 4, PT-9901-862, Horta, Azores, Portugal
| | - Beneharo Rodríguez
- Canary Islands' Ornithology and Natural History Group (GOHNIC), La Malecita s/n, 38480 Buenavista del Norte, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Juan J Negro
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - André Chiaradia
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, P.O. Box 97, Cowes, Phillip Island, Victoria, 3922, Australia
| | - Peter Dann
- Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, P.O. Box 97, Cowes, Phillip Island, Victoria, 3922, Australia
| | - Tracy Anderson
- Save Our Shearwaters, P.O. Box 3330, Lihue, 96766, Kauai, HI, U.S.A
| | - Benjamin Metzger
- BirdLife Malta, Flat 2, Xemxija Waterfront Apartments, Triq Is-Simar, Xemxija, SPB9025, Malta
| | - Masaki Shirai
- Environmental Science Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, 1646, Abiko, Abiko-shi, Chiba, 270-1194, Japan
| | - Lorna Deppe
- The Hutton's Shearwater Charitable Trust, P.O. Box 58 Kaikōura 7340, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer Wheeler
- BirdsCaribbean, 4201 Wilson Blvd 110-174, Arlington, VA, 22203, U.S.A
| | - Peter Hodum
- Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge, P.O. Box 1918, Kailua, HI, 96734, U.S.A
| | - Catia Gouveia
- Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds, Travessa das Torres 2A, 1° andar, 9060-314 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - Vanda Carmo
- Direção Regional dos Assuntos do Mar; Secretaria Regional do Mar, Ciência e Tecnologia; Governo Regional dos Açores; Colónia Alemã - Apartado 9, 9900-014, Horta, Azores, Portugal
| | - Gilberto P Carreira
- Direção Regional dos Assuntos do Mar; Secretaria Regional do Mar, Ciência e Tecnologia; Governo Regional dos Açores; Colónia Alemã - Apartado 9, 9900-014, Horta, Azores, Portugal
| | - Luis Delgado-Alburqueque
- Ringed Storm-Petrel Project, Veterinary Science School, Ricardo Palma University, Av. Benavides 5440, Lima 33, Perú
| | - Carlos Guerra-Correa
- Centro Regional de Estudios y Educación Ambiental, Universidad de Antofagasta (CREA-UA), 602 Angamos Av., Antofagasta, Chile
| | - François-Xavier Couzi
- Société d'Études Ornithologiques de la Réunion, 13, ruelle des Orchidées 97440 Saint André, La Réunion, France
| | - Marc Travers
- Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, P.O. Box 81, Hanapepe 96741, Kauai, HI, U.S.A
| | - Matthieu Le Corre
- UMR ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion 15, avenue René Cassin - CS 92003 97744 Saint Denis Cédex 9, La Réunion, France
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Davies TW, Bennie J, Cruse D, Blumgart D, Inger R, Gaston KJ. Multiple night-time light-emitting diode lighting strategies impact grassland invertebrate assemblages. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2017; 23:2641-2648. [PMID: 28139040 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
White light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are rapidly replacing conventional outdoor lighting technologies around the world. Despite rising concerns over their impact on the environment and human health, the flexibility of LEDs has been advocated as a means of mitigating the ecological impacts of globally widespread outdoor night-time lighting through spectral manipulation, dimming and switching lights off during periods of low demand. We conducted a three-year field experiment in which each of these lighting strategies was simulated in a previously artificial light naïve grassland ecosystem. White LEDs both increased the total abundance and changed the assemblage composition of adult spiders and beetles. Dimming LEDs by 50% or manipulating their spectra to reduce ecologically damaging wavelengths partially reduced the number of commoner species affected from seven to four. A combination of dimming by 50% and switching lights off between midnight and 04:00 am showed the most promise for reducing the ecological costs of LEDs, but the abundances of two otherwise common species were still affected. The environmental consequences of using alternative lighting technologies are increasingly well established. These results suggest that while management strategies using LEDs can be an effective means of reducing the number of taxa affected, averting the ecological impacts of night-time lighting may ultimately require avoiding its use altogether.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Davies
- 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
| | - Dave Cruse
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Dan Blumgart
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Richard Inger
- 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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18
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de Freitas JR, Bennie J, Mantovani W, Gaston KJ. Exposure of tropical ecosystems to artificial light at night: Brazil as a case study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171655. [PMID: 28178352 PMCID: PMC5298803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial nighttime lighting from streetlights and other sources has a broad range of biological effects. Understanding the spatial and temporal levels and patterns of this lighting is a key step in determining the severity of adverse effects on different ecosystems, vegetation, and habitat types. Few such analyses have been conducted, particularly for regions with high biodiversity, including the tropics. We used an intercalibrated version of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) images of stable nighttime lights to determine what proportion of original and current Brazilian vegetation types are experiencing measurable levels of artificial light and how this has changed in recent years. The percentage area affected by both detectable light and increases in brightness ranged between 0 and 35% for native vegetation types, and between 0 and 25% for current vegetation (i.e. including agriculture). The most heavily affected areas encompassed terrestrial coastal vegetation types (restingas and mangroves), Semideciduous Seasonal Forest, and Mixed Ombrophilous Forest. The existing small remnants of Lowland Deciduous and Semideciduous Seasonal Forests and of Campinarana had the lowest exposure levels to artificial light. Light pollution has not often been investigated in developing countries but our data show that it is an environmental concern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jon Bennie
- Centre for Geography, Environment and Society, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
- Environment & Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Waldir Mantovani
- IEE—Instituto de Energia e Ambiente, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo (SP), Brasil
| | - Kevin J. Gaston
- Environment & Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
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19
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Linley GD. The impact of artificial lighting on bats along native coastal vegetation. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/am15047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic light pollution is increasing rapidly within urban areas around the world, causing a raft of ecological issues, including species loss. I used echolocation detectors to uncover the impact of artificial lighting on insectivorous bat (Chiroptera) species in Melbourne’s south-east. Surveys were undertaken in native vegetation at a lit treatment, which was illuminated by a street light, and an unlit treatment, which was dark. Bat activity and species richness at unlit treatments was significantly higher when compared with lit treatments. The temperature at which the greatest activity occurred was ~2°C higher at unlit treatments than lit treatments. Bat activity at both the lit and unlit treatments increased rapidly after sunset. Bat activity moderately decreased during the night at lit treatments until sunrise, whilst activity at unlit treatments remained steady throughout the night before rapidly decreasing two hours before sunrise. The negative effect of artificial lighting on bat activity and species in urban areas may have major long-term implications on the ecology of urban areas.
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Maxinová E, Kipson M, Naďo L, Hradická P, Uhrin M. Foraging Strategy of Kuhl's Pipistrelle at the Northern Edge of the Species Distribution. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2016. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2016.18.1.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Azam C, Kerbiriou C, Vernet A, Julien JF, Bas Y, Plichard L, Maratrat J, Le Viol I. Is part-night lighting an effective measure to limit the impacts of artificial lighting on bats? GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2015; 21:4333-4341. [PMID: 26179558 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
As light pollution is currently considered to be a major threat to biodiversity, different lighting management options are being explored to mitigate the impact of artificial lighting on wildlife. Although part-night lighting schemes have been adopted by many local authorities across Europe to reduce the carbon footprint and save energy, their effects on biodiversity are unknown. Through a paired, in situ experiment, we compared the activity levels of 8 bat species under unlit, part-night, and full-night lighting treatments in a rural area located 60 km south of Paris, France. We selected 36 study locations composed of 1 lit site and a paired unlit control site; 24 of these sites were located in areas subject to part-night lighting schemes, and 12 sites were in areas under standard, full-night lighting. There was significantly more activity on part-night lighting sites compared to full-night lighting sites for the late-emerging, light-sensitive Plecotus spp., and a similar pattern was observable for Myotis spp., although not significant. In contrast, part-night lighting did not influence the activity of early emerging bat species around streetlights, except for Pipistrellus pipistrellus for which there was significantly less activity on part-night lighting sites than on full-night lighting sites. Overall, no significant difference in activity between part- and full-night lighting sites were observed in 5 of the 8 species studied, suggesting that current part-night lighting schemes fail to encompass the range of activity of most bat species. We recommend that such schemes start earlier at night to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of artificial lighting on light-sensitive species, particularly along ecological corridors that are especially important to the persistence of biodiversity in urban landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémentine Azam
- National Museum of Natural History, 55 rue Buffon, Center for Ecology and Conservation Science, UMR7204-MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Christian Kerbiriou
- National Museum of Natural History, 55 rue Buffon, Center for Ecology and Conservation Science, UMR7204-MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Arthur Vernet
- Parc Naturel Régional du Gâtinais Français, Maison du Parc 20 boulevard du Maréchal Lyautey, 91490, Milly-la-Forêt, France
| | - Jean-François Julien
- National Museum of Natural History, 55 rue Buffon, Center for Ecology and Conservation Science, UMR7204-MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Yves Bas
- National Museum of Natural History, 55 rue Buffon, Center for Ecology and Conservation Science, UMR7204-MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Laura Plichard
- Parc Naturel Régional du Gâtinais Français, Maison du Parc 20 boulevard du Maréchal Lyautey, 91490, Milly-la-Forêt, France
| | - Julie Maratrat
- Parc Naturel Régional du Gâtinais Français, Maison du Parc 20 boulevard du Maréchal Lyautey, 91490, Milly-la-Forêt, France
| | - Isabelle Le Viol
- National Museum of Natural History, 55 rue Buffon, Center for Ecology and Conservation Science, UMR7204-MNHN-CNRS-UPMC, 75005, Paris, France
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