Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
THE IMPACT THE IMPACT OF LIGHT OF LIGHT POLLUTION POLLUTION ON WILDLIFEON WILDLIFE
Presentation by,Eric Draper, Executive Director,Audubon of Florida Contact Information:[email protected] -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.
http://www.friendsofsherwoodisland.org/Photos/Hand/BoP/AJH-BarredOwl-talonsclose.jpg
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
http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielorn/3556785997/sizes/l/in/photostream/
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
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/338920303_87cca266de.jpg
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
