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Artificial light and cloud cover interact to disrupt celestial migrations at night
Leo M Burke1, Thomas W Davies2, David Wilcockson3
1Bangor University, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK.
The Science of the Total Environment
|June 8, 2024
Summary
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) disrupts the migration of the sandy beach detritivore Talitrus saltator. Even low light levels significantly alter their navigation and distribution, with effects modulated by lunar phase and cloud cover.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Human activity has increased Artificial Light at Night (ALAN), impacting ecosystems.
- Celestial bodies provide crucial orientating cues for many species.
- The interaction of ALAN with natural light cycles and climate on species migration is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how lunar phase and cloud cover modulate the impact of ALAN on the abundance and migratory behavior of Talitrus saltator.
- To determine the effects of ALAN on the navigation and distribution of a key sandy beach detritivore.
- To assess the influence of low light levels on coastal invertebrate populations.
Main Methods:
- A night-time field study was conducted to observe Talitrus saltator.
- Abundance, size, and migratory direction of T. saltator were recorded under varying ALAN intensities.
- The influence of lunar phase and cloud cover on ALAN impacts was analyzed.
Main Results:
- T. saltator abundance and size decreased significantly with increasing ALAN intensity.
- ALAN exposure led to more individuals migrating parallel to the shoreline, indicating navigational disruption.
- Lunar phase and cloud cover were found to significantly modify the effects of ALAN.
Conclusions:
- ALAN significantly inhibits the natural migration of Talitrus saltator, potentially altering population distribution.
- Even low levels of ALAN (as low as 3 lx) can substantially affect coastal invertebrate distribution.
- Understanding the interplay of ALAN, natural light cycles, and climate is crucial for assessing ecological impacts.
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