Wildlife
Light pollution impacts nearly every living species. Learn more about specific ways ALAN harms different species:
Birds Sea Turtles Insects Dog Whelk Moths
There have also been negative impacts of ALAN observed in owls, foxes, and badgers (among many other species).
Migratory Birds
Many migrating bird species rely on environmental light cues for navigation.
Artificial light interferes with this behavior in two main ways: Positive phototaxis draws birds away from their migratory routes, and ALAN negatively impacts the distribution of birds along their migratory routes, making them fly higher than they would in more rural and less light-polluted areas.
Learn more about the effects of Positive Phototaxis:
1.
Sea
Turtles
Moths
According to Aaron Watson, moths (as well as other insects) are not attracted to light as many people believe; they are confused by it. Learn more about the impact of ALAN on moths and insects in Aaron's interview
3.
Pollinating Insects
Many different types of outdoor lighting has been found to negatively impact pollinating insects, including streetlights. Learn more about some of the effects of ALAN on pollinators.
Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem services are benefits that humans receive from the natural environment
Pollination of food crops by insects is an example of an ecosystem service that is crucial to human well-being.
Many of the insects that perform that pollination, however, are only active at night. Further, many of them only pollinate under dim, natural light such as moonlight.
Light pollution is disrupting this ecosystem service, along with many others.
Nocturnal
Pollinators
ALAN appears to harm at least some nocturnal pollinator species..
.
Direct impacts of ALAN on nocturnal pollinators include the reduction of crop fields and a threat on food supplies.
ALAN can also lead to significant population declines among pollinators, which is known as an "insect apocalypse"
Dog Whelk
Stop video at 6:40
1.
4.