Abstract
Light pollution has become one of the top issues in environmental pollution, especially concerning how secondary light pollution, such as from traffic reflective materials, influences animal distribution and behavior. In this study, 15 camera traps were set up at sites with or without reflective warning markers (RWM) in coniferous forests on Cangshan Mountain located in Dali Prefecture, China. The results showed that the number of independent photographs and species at sites without RWMs were significantly higher than those at sites with RWMs. Significant differences were found between daytime and nighttime composition of bird species and non-flying mammals between two sites. This study found that RWMs had negative effects on wildlife, with the avoidance response of birds to RWMs being more obvious than that of animals at daytime. It is recommended that the use of reflective materials be carefully considered, especially in protected areas.
Highlights
Artificial structures are having a growing influence on biodiversity (Pechmann et al, 1991; Soga et al, 2014)
Results of this study suggest that reflective warning markers (RWM), as crucial road components, can significantly affect the distribution of wildlife
It is necessary to consider the environmental effects of RWMs in assessing road construction
Summary
Artificial structures are having a growing influence on biodiversity (Pechmann et al, 1991; Soga et al, 2014). This has become an increasingly important environmental problem (Stoilova & Stoilov, 1998; Lyytimäki, 2013). Reflective warning markers (RWMs) have been widely used on highways, smaller roads, in urban areas (Wolshon, Degeyter & Swargam, 2002), and other areas that are being developed due to expanding urbanization and road construction. Various types of RWMs are frequently used in agriculture, horticulture (Layne, Jiang & Rushing, 2002), architectural engineering (Li et al, 2008), and even in protected areas (Reinius & Fredman, 2007; Wu, Zhang & Zou, 2007)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
