Reducing and mitigating Light Pollution impact in Natura 2000 areas in Macaronesia
Informations
- Funding country
Portugal- Acronym
- Natura@night
- Start date
- 10/1/2021
- End date
- 9/30/2025
- Budget
- 3,260,350 EUR
Fundings
| Name | Role | Start | End | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIFE Programme - 2020 | Grant | - | - | 3,260,350 EUR |
Abstract
Understanding the damaging effects of light pollution on nocturnal animals is a long-standing problem in conservation. Artificial light at night (ALAN) can draw individuals from long distances, whilst repelling others, affecting many activities (foraging, reproductive behaviour and daily, monthly or annual movements). Identified as an important driver of environmental change in the 21st century, ALAN is an underestimated threat for species and ecosystems and may exacerbate already precarious conditions for endangered species. This threat induces a physiological and behavioural change in animals, as well as mass mortality episodes for certain species. Studies indicate that 50% of Procellariform species (albatrosses, petrels, storm petrels, and shearwaters) are affected by ALAN and up to 14% of the grounded seabirds die (approx. 1 100 birds/year in Macaronesia).