SP08: Effects of light pollution on obligatory nocturnal mammals (bats)
As part of subproject 08 coordinated by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), we investigated the effects of light pollution on the ecology and behaviour of bats. Furthermore, we studied to what extent increased predation of insects at street lamps might affect food webs.
Temperate bats feed predominantly on insects. Since many insects are attracted to lights, they accumulate around street lamps and thus represent a valuable and easy-to-access food source for bats. However, some bat species seem to avoid foraging in artificial light. Consequently, we expected that the species composition of ecosystems is largely affected by the presence of artificial light. Furthermore, we predicted that artificial light reduced the quality of daytime roosts if bats postpone their emerging at sunset because of dim light. However, such adverse effects could be compensated by using innovative light sources and new concepts of illumination.
Artificial light seems to attract certain insect groups and repel others. The increased predation risk of insects due to the presence of e.g. bats and spiders at street lights may largely influence whole food webs. To better understand such patterns, we compared food webs in dark and illuminated landscapes and investigated if potential differences are caused by light-specific predation risk. This project was part of a collaboration between the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research and the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries.
Scientist ist Daniel Lewanzik
Leader of subproject ist PD Dr. Christian Voigt
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