Urban Light Affecting Animal Behavior

Light reflecting from streets and glass buildings in cities have been found in a recent study to disrupt animal behavior.

1 minute read

January 25, 2009, 9:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"The scientists showed that as well as direct light sources, polarised light also triggered potentially dangerous changes in many species' behaviour."

"They added that road surfaces and glass buildings were among the main sources of this form of light pollution."

"Co-author Bruce Robertson, an ecologist from Michigan State University, US, said polarised light from structures within the built environment overwhelmed natural cues that controlled animal behaviour."

"'Environmental cues, such as the intensity of light, that animals use to make decisions occur at different levels of severity in the natural world,' he said."

"'When cues become unnaturally intense, animals can respond unnaturally strongly to them.'"

FULL STORY: Light pollution forms 'eco-traps'

Friday, January 23, 2009 in BBC

Environment Urban Development World Streets Light Pollution Animals View More

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