Bats and light pollution

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This European report explores the effects of artificial lighting on bats, such as facilitating foraging because of insects being drawn to lights, increasing chances for bat mortality because of other predators and factors, possibly interfering with bat sensorial capabilities other than vision, lowering quality of bat roosting sites, altering bat biological rhythm, altering competition among bat species, and also negatively affecting food sources. Because insects are the predominant food source for European bats and because insects appear to be losing distribution and biodiversity, the effects of lighting on insects, what little is known, is explored: mortality of insects, deviation by insects from natural behaviors and habitats, and habitat loss and interference with insect movements. Negative impacts of lighting can be worse for certain groups of insects and habitats, and more information is needed. This document also discusses how to minimize problems (when, where, and how to use lighting) and proposes improvements for legislation about light pollution: defining light pollution, stating objectives for environmental protection and direct management, identifying areas where limiting lighting is a priority, taking into account effects on biocenoses of bats and insects when deciding the timing of lighting (and actually applying such knowledge), minimizing dispersion of light, and including public education and sensitization about the consequences of light and the need for energy conservation.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology