Draper presentation on dark sky

THE IMPACT THE IMPACT OF LIGHT OF LIGHT POLLUTION POLLUTION ON WILDLIFEON WILDLIFE

Presentation by,Eric Draper, Executive Director,Audubon of Florida Contact Information:edraper@audubon.org850-222-2473 -office 850-251-1301 -cell

Florida’s Light Pollution Signature

Florida’s Wildlife Ecosystems Affected by Light Pollution

Conservation Corridor Daytona Beach

Orlando Metro Area

Wildlife• The length of night at various times of year

will determine an animal’s instinctual behavior from breeding and feeding to migration.

• Light pollution can throw disrupt this internal timing and create confusion and disorientation in wildlife.

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Barred Owl

Strix varia

Light pollution is trespassing into wildlife habitat

Wildlife Concerns FromExposure to Light Pollution

Habitat Disturbance Wildlife Behavior Wildlife Survival

Wildlife Issue

Birds– The darkness of night is a perfect time for many

birds to migrate or hunt. These birds are often dependent on darkness to successfully complete migration or to find a meal. When artificial lights intrude on what should be a very dark area, birds can become disoriented. This can cause them to crash into structures or become focused on a distant light source. Artificial light can also disorient migratory birds, throwing them off course.

Night HawkChordeiles minor

Common Night HawkChordeiles minor

sunrise sunsetNatural night sky

light pollution

Compare Lighting from Natural and Artificial Sources

“ what the critters see ”

NOCTURNAL WILDLIFE

owls gray tree frog

yellow crowned night

heron

spotted sea trout bats

Active at night, roost by day.

Some species species are rare, threatened and endangered species.

Some species provide human and ecological health benefits.

Some species provide economic benefits

What are the effects of light pollution on their habitat and behavior?

Wetlands

DIURNAL WILDLIFE

frogs songbirds waterfowldragonfly

Active by day, roost at night. NOCTURNAL WILDLIFE

Some species are rare, protected and endangered species.

Some species provide human and ecological health benefits.

Some species provide economic benefits.

What are the effects of light pollution on their habitat and behavior?

squirrels

Loggerhead Sea TurtleCaretta caretta

Endangered Sea turtles in Florida

Life cycle consists of birth on land, spending life in ocean, returning to land only to nest

LIGHT POLLUTION IMPACTS

Beach nesting habitats exposed to bright outdoor shoreline lighting

Adults won’t come ashore to nest

Hatchlings emerge from sand nests, normally orientate towards starlit ocean

Artificial lights on beaches, coastal roads, and buildings disorientate hatchlings and adults that crawl away from the beach towards inland light sources.

Migratory disruptions from light pollution leads to death from dehydration, wildlife, domestic animals and human predation, and vehicle collusions

USA’s First Outdoor Lighting Ordinance for Wildlife Conservation

Migratory Birds

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LP Problems for Urban Habitats

Homeowners Backyard Habitat Habitat Guide

Light pollution increases domestic animal activity at night; increases domestic animal predation on wildlife

Birds venture away from nests at night, may abandoned nests; hatchlings fall out.

Alters behavior of wildlife

Decreases survival of young wildlife

Makes habitat less suitable for good wildlife

Deciduous trees and plants experience delayed winter dormancy that increases susceptibility to stress and diseases on light polluted properties

People cannot enjoy night landscape and wildlife benefits of their own properties if there are lights trespassing from other properties.

InsectsInsects

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Public Action Precedents in Wildlife Conservation Involving Light Pollution

SEATURTLES - first identified light pollution indicator organism. Led to nation’s first public outdoor lighting ordinance in Florida for wildlife conservation purposes.

BIRDS – FLAP (Fatal Light Awareness Program) Highly successful Canadian public program aimed at reducing birds kills from collusions with lighted city buildings. Program identifies numerous bird species at risk from light pollution. Visit www.flap.org

SW USA ENDANGERED CAT SPECIES - US Border Patrol proposes putting up bright lights along US-Mexico border inhabited by endangered cats. USFWS presses for Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Innovative Communities with Light Pollution Control That Benefit Wildlife and Public

Ocean Reef, Florida - private development in Key Largo, Florida with no street lights. Surrounding

mangrove and waterway habitats enhanced.

Harmony, Florida - In 2009, was recognized by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) as the world’s first Dark Sky Developments of Distinction. The award is given to communities whose planning actively promotes a more natural night sky. .

Palm Beach County and Sanibel Island, Florida -public outdoor lighting ordinances for coastal wildlife conservation and tourism. Beach and shore habitats enhanced.

MammalsEarth Hour Toronto