Recordings of camera traps placed deep in tropical forests on three continents were analyzed by one Led by Norwegian The international research group found that animals living at the bottom of forests reach the phases of the moon Control their activity. However, the impact can be more pronounced on rare and degraded forests. This is also interesting because, apart from the caves, it is located at the bottom of tropical forests on the darkest lands on our planet.
“If you play hide and seek in a dark room and someone lights a candle, that could have a similar effect,” explained Professor Richard Bischoff, who led the research. “The light, even if weak, makes it very easy to find our way in the room. On the other hand, if we have to hide, it makes the intruder's job easier: it will be much easier to be noticed.” But for tropical forest animals, survival is at stake, not the score of a game.
Armadillo
Source: TEAM – Tropical Environment Monitoring and Assessment Network
The researchers analyzed 2.1 million wildlife camera recordings in 17 protected forests on three continents. Half of the 86 observed animal species adapted to moonlight, of which 12 explicitly avoided moonlight, and only 3 species increased their activity at this time. But it was observed in half of the species that their activity differs according to the moon phase.
The full moon was avoided by 30 percent of all animals, but (another) 20 percent of animals were attracted to it. The majority of those avoiding moonlight were nocturnal species, especially rodents.
Although moonlight is natural, it is still worth considering this effect. Deforestation, even partial, opens the way for more light, affecting the lives of a large number of animals. It is also clear that artificial lights, buildings, roads and light pollution have the same effect as moonlight.
The deterioration of the condition of tropical forests is also manifested in the fact of reduced cover and the protective effect of the canopy. “Due to urbanization, artificial lights are also affecting larger and larger areas,” the researcher added.
The fact that there are more species that avoid moonlight suggests that there may be more losers than winners in increasingly brighter forests. Since many animals' activity is reduced on moonlit nights, this also means they can spend less time feeding or searching for a mate. “There is a risk of a radical shift in the composition and relationship of tropical forest animal species simply by changing lighting conditions,” Bischof added.
