Part‐night lighting: implications for bat conservation. (18th March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Day, J.; Baker, J.; Schofield, H.; Mathews, F.; Gaston, K. J.
• Is Part Of: Animal conservation. Volume 18:Number 6(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 512
• Page End: 516
• Publication Date: 2015-03-18
• Subjects: artificial nighttime lighting -- bats -- environmental management -- light pollution -- part‐night lighting -- photophobic; Rhinolophus ferrumequinum -- streetlights; Conservation biology -- Periodicals; Wildlife conservation -- Periodicals; Conservation de la biodiversité; Conservation de la faune; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 333.95416
• DOI: 10.1111/acv.12200
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-9430

Abstract

Abstract: Artificial nighttime lighting has many effects on biodiversity. A proposed environmental management option, primarily to save energy, is to alter the duration of night lighting. Using the greater horseshoe bat R hinolophus ferrumequinum as an example of a photophobic species, we explored roadside behaviour patterns throughout the night to assess the potential impact of part‐night lighting. We found a large primary peak in activity 1 h after sunset, followed by a smaller secondary peak before sunrise. Simulated part‐night lighting scenarios reveal that to capture a large proportion of bat activity, streetlights should be switched off before midnight. Current proposed uses of part‐night lighting are unlikely to capture natural peaks in activity for nocturnal species.