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Hardcover $75.00 ISBN: 9781559631280 Published December 2005
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Ecological Consequences of Artificial Night Lighting

Ecological Consequences of Artificial Night Lighting
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Edited by Catherine Rich and Travis Longcore

480 pages | 6 x 9

While certain ecological problems associated with artificial night lighting are widely known-for instance, the disorientation of sea turtle hatchlings by beachfront lighting-the vast range of influences on all types of animals and plants is only beginning to be recognized. From nest choice and breeding success of birds to behavioral and physiological changes in salamanders, many organisms are seriously affected by human alterations in natural patterns of light and dark.

Ecological Consequences of Artificial Night Lighting is the first book to consider the environmental effects of the intentional illumination of the night. It brings together leading scientists from around the world to review the state of knowledge on the subject and to describe specific effects that have been observed across a full range of taxonomic groups, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, fishes, invertebrates, and plants.

Ecological Consequences of Artificial Night Lighting provides a scientific basis to begin addressing the challenge of conserving the nighttime environment. It cogently demonstrates the vital importance of this until-now neglected topic and is an essential new work for conservation planners, researchers, and anyone concerned with human impacts on the natural world.

"Ecological Consequences of Artificial Night Lighting is an excellent reference that will undoubtedly raise awareness of the need to conserve energy, do proper impact assessments, and turn the lights down."
David Hill, Science


"This book is very readable and should be of interest to a wide audience, ranging from professional biologists and managers to students. ... Conservation practitioners will find strong support for the need to incorporate artificial night lighting into impact assessments and conservation planning."
Lyn G. Branch, The Quarterly Review of Biology


"Anyone interested in how human civilization affects natural environments will want to see this book; the literature reviews will be a treasure-trove for biologists beginning to learn about the problems."
Robert L. Crawford, The Auk


"It should be a primary source for anyone dealing with work related to lights and their impacts on living organisms. It’s on my primary source reading list."
Albert M. Manville II, The Condor


"This is a book with a mission and a soul. At the front of each part is an extract of prose from one of a variety of authors that make us remember that nights are meant to be dark, beautiful and exciting. It is an academic book, but one that is written and presented in such a way that it will appeal to anyone with an interest in ecology."
Paul Elliott, Biological Conservation


"A powerful compendium. Surely eye opening for many ecologists. ... Recommended for wildlife ecologists and anyone fighting light pollution."
Sarah O'Malley, Northeastern Naturalist


"The adverse effects of night lighting on the environment have only come to the attention of scientists during the last fifty years. This intriguing book, edited by Catherine Rich and Travis Longcore, brings together historic accounts and recent scientific findings in a broad spectrum of writings on the significant influence of night light on plants and animals. Divided into six parts according to taxonomic groups, the text documents seminal studies showing that overabundant artificial lighting has played a role in the lives of plants and animals by disrupting regular rhythms and creating serious hazards for fauna. In conclusion, the editors offer a thought-provoking reminder, "...as we light the world to suit our needs and whims...doing so may come at the expense of other living beings ... ."
Marilyn K. Alaimo, Chicago Botanic Garden


Table of Contents



Preface

1. Introduction

Part I. Mammals

2. Effects of Artificial Night Lighting on Terrestrial Mammals

3. Bats and Their Insect Prey at Streetlights



Part II. Birds

4. Effects of Artificial Night Lighting on Migrating Birds

5. Influences of Artificial Light on Marine Birds

6. Road Lighting and Grassland Birds: Local Influence of Road Lighting
on a Black-Tailed Godwit Population


Part III. Reptiles And
Amphibians

7. Protecting Sea Turtles from Artificial Night Lighting at
Florida’s

Oceanic Beaches

8. Night Lights and Reptiles: Observed and Potential Effects

9. Observed and Potential Effects of Artificial Night Lighting on
Anuran Amphibians

10. Influence of Artificial Illumination on the Nocturnal Behavior and
Physiology of Salamanders



Part IV. Fishes

11. Artificial Night Lighting and Fishes



Part V. Invertebrates

12. Artificial Night Lighting and Insects: Attraction of Insects to

Streetlamps in a Rural Setting in Germany

13. Effects of Artificial Night Lighting on Moths

14. Stray Light, Fireflies, and Fireflyers

15. Artificial Light at Night in Freshwater Habitats and Its Potential

Ecological Effects


Part VI. Plants

16. Physiology of Plant Responses to Artificial Lighting

17. Synthesis



About the Contributors

Index

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Biodiversity & Wildlife

Ecosystem Science & Management

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