Impacts of Artificial Lighting on Avian Biodiversity: A Case Study of Udaipur (Rajasthan), India

Abstract

The pervasive presence of artificial light in urban environments significantly affects biodiversity. This study investigates the impact of light pollution on avian biodiversity in Udaipur, India. Excessive artificial lighting alters natural habitats, disrupts ecosystems, and affects the behaviour and abundance of various avian species. The study was conducted in Udaipur from December 2019 to March 2023, utilizing Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) DNB Free Cloud Composite Imagery and field surveys. The research spanned rural and urban landscapes, employing methods such as timed species counts and point counts to assess avian fauna. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index was used to measure biodiversity, with ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests for statistical analysis. VIIRS data analysis revealed three light pollution clusters: dark, moderately dark, and bright areas. Avian diversity varied across these clusters, with significantly higher diversity observed in dark areas. Daytime and night time observations also showed variations, with higher biodiversity observed at night. Common species exhibited significantly higher abundance in brighter areas, while moderately dark and dark areas supported greater diversity. Artificial lighting has profound effects on avian biodiversity in Udaipur. Bright areas exhibit reduced biodiversity, while dark areas support richer ecosystems. This study underscores the importance of managing light pollution to preserve avian diversity and maintain ecological balance in urban environments.