An Impact Analysis of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) on Bats. A Case Study of the Historic Monument and Natura 2000 Wisłoujście Fortress in Gdansk, Poland.

Katarzyna Szlachetko,Katarzyna Bobkowska,Karolina M Zielinska-Dabkowska

doi:10.3390/ijerph182111327

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 Wisłoujście Fortress in Gdańsk, 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 Wisłoujście Fortress site located adjacent to urban areas to reduce the potential negative impact of ALAN on bats and their natural habitats.

Highlights

IntroductionEcological light pollution (ELP) and the adverse impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on nature have both been studied by environmental scientists over the years [1,2]
Introduction iationsEcological light pollution (ELP) and the adverse impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on nature have both been studied by environmental scientists over the years [1,2].Many living organisms on planet Earth are nocturnal species that have a preference for nighttime activity which allows them to avoid predators and heat and have safer feeding and/or facilitates reproduction [3]
We wanted to see if there was a positive effect from the COVID-19 lockdown on the number of bat species in 2020, if light pollution levels estimated with satellite-based imagery can be used to help assess its scale in the Natura 2000 Wisłoujście Fortress, and if this tool is appropriate for this undertaking

Summary

Introduction

Ecological light pollution (ELP) and the adverse impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on nature have both been studied by environmental scientists over the years [1,2]. Many living organisms on planet Earth are nocturnal species that have a preference for nighttime activity which allows them to avoid predators and heat and have safer feeding and/or facilitates reproduction [3]. The crucial role of natural darkness and the importance of nocturnal placemaking have been undervalued, as critical components of the environment and as requisites for ecosystems and biological processes for all living organisms. Researchers have investigated ALAN and its possible impact on the environment from various perspectives including: measurement methods [4,5,6], regulatory.

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