Conserving energy at a cost to biodiversity? Impacts of LED lighting on bats

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Stone, Emma L.; Jones, Gareth; Harris, Stephen

Source:

Global Change Biology, Blackwell Publishing Ltd., Volume 18, Issue 8, p.2458-2465 (2012)

Call Number:

A12STO01IDUS

URL:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2012.02705.x/abstract,

Keywords:

bats and lighting, Eptesicus spp, LED lighting, light pollution, Myotis spp, Nyctalus spp, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Rhinolophus hipposideros, slow-flying bat

Abstract:

Despite the energetic benefits of LEDs, their ecological impacts have not been tested. Using an experimental approach, the authors (UK) show that LED street lights caused a reduction in activity of slow-flying bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros and Myotis spp.). Both R. hipposideros and Myotis spp. activities were significantly reduced, even during low light levels of 3.6 lux. There was no effect of LED lighting on the relatively fast-flying Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, and Nyctalus/Eptesicus spp. The authors provide the first evidence of the effects of LED lights on bats. Despite having considerable energy-saving benefits, LED lights can potentially fragment commuting routes for bats with associated negative conservation consequences. These results add to the growing evidence of negative impacts of lighting on a wide range of taxa. The authors highlight the complexities involved in simultaneously meeting targets for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss. New lighting strategies should integrate climate change targets with the cultural, social, and ecological impacts of emerging lighting technologies.