An Impact Analysis of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) on Bats. A Case Study of the Historic Monument and Natura 2000 Wisloujscie Fortress in Gdansk, Poland.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 18(21)2021 Oct 28.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1497261
ABSTRACT
The artificial light at night (ALAN) present in many cities and towns has a negative impact on numerous organisms that live alongside humans, including bats. Therefore, we investigated if the artificial illumination of the historic Wisloujscie Fortress in Gdansk, Poland (part of the Natura 2000 network), during nighttime events, which included an outdoor electronic dance music (EDM) festival, might be responsible for increased light pollution and the decline in recent years of the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme). An assessment of light pollution levels was made using the methods of geographical information system (GIS) and free-of-charge satellite remote sensing (SRS) technology. Moreover, this paper reviewed the most important approaches for environmental protection of bats in the context of ecological light pollution, including International, European, and Polish regulatory frameworks. The analysis of this interdisciplinary study confirmed the complexity of the problem and highlighted, too, the need for better control of artificial illumination in such sensitive areas. It also revealed that SRS was not the best light pollution assessment method for this particular case study due to several reasons listed in this paper. As a result, the authors' proposal for improvements also involved practical recommendations for devising suitable strategies for lighting research and practice in the Natura 2000 Wisloujscie Fortress site located adjacent to urban areas to reduce the potential negative impact of ALAN on bats and their natural habitats.
Keywords
ALAN; Black Marble; COVID-19; Myotis dasycneme; NTL; Natura 2000; VIIRS; anthropogenic light pollution; artificial light at night; bats; ecological light pollution; emissions control; environmental pollution; environmental protection; external illumination; light pollution map; light pollution regulations; nighttime conservation; nighttime light observations; satellite remote sensing; sustainable urban lighting
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Chiroptera
Type of study:
Case report
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijerph182111327
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