Effects Of Moon Phase Research Articles

Effect of Moon Phase on Physical Parameters at the Mouth of the River

Light from the sun is the need for living things both on land and in the air. The moon, as a medium that reflects sunlight in one month, has several phases. This phase affects the situation on earth, especially river mouths. This study aims to determine the effect of the moon phase on physical parameters (water temperature and air temperature) at the mouth of the river. This research was conducted in 4 moon phases on the physics parameters at three coastal estuaries during the day and night. Based on the study results, it was found that the moon phase of the physical parameters is very influential on the number of micro-organisms. The number of organisms in each estuary also shows different characteristics according to moon phase conditions.
 Keywords: moon phase, physical parameter

Movement behavior of swordfish provisions connectivity between the temperate and tropical southwest Pacific Ocean

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) are a widely distributed (45°N–45°S) large pelagic fish targeted by fisheries worldwide. Swordfish that occur at high latitudes tend to disproportionately be large adults, so their movements have implications for population dynamics and fisheries management. In the southwest Pacific, little is known about this subset of the stock and existing evidence suggests limited movement from the subtropics into cooler high latitude waters. Here, we capitalize on the recent emergence of a recreational swordfish fishery off temperate southeast Australia to characterize movements of swordfish caught in the fishery with pop-up satellite archival transmitting tags. Data were recovered from tags deployed for 56–250 days on 11 swordfish (50–350 kg) tagged between 38 and 43°S in the western Tasman Sea. Five swordfish entered the Coral Sea (< 30°S), with four reaching north to 11–24°S, up to 3275 km away from location of capture. Behavior modelling suggests these four individuals rapidly transited north until encountering 23–27 °C water, at which point they lingered in the area for several months, consistent with spawning-related partial migration. One migrating swordfish still carrying a tag after the spawning season returned to ~ 120 km of its release location, suggesting site fidelity. Movements toward the central south Pacific were confined to two individuals crossing 165°E. Swordfish predominantly underwent normal diel vertical migration, descending into the mesopelagic zone at dawn (median daytime depth 494.9 m, 95% CI 460.4–529.5 m). Light attenuation predicted daytime depth, with swordfish rising by up to 195 m in turbid water. At night, swordfish were deeper during the full moon, median night-time depth 45.8 m (37.8–55.5) m versus 18.0 m (14.9–21.8) m at new moon. Modelling fine-scale (10 min−1) swordfish depth revealed dynamic effects of moon phase varying predictably across time of night with implications for fisheries interactions. Studying highly migratory fishes near distribution limits allows characterization of the full range of movement phenotypes within a population, a key consideration for important fish stocks in changing oceans.

Assessment of effects of moon phases on hospital outpatient visits: An observational national study.

A vast amount of literature has been conducted for investigating the association of different lunar phases with human health; and it has mixed reviews for association and non-association of diseases with lunar phases. This study investigates the existence of any impact of moon phases on humans by exploring the difference in the rate of outpatient visits and type of diseases that prevail in either non-moon or moon phases. We retrieved dates of non-moon and moon phases for eight years (1st January 2001-31st December 2008) from the timeanddate.com website for Taiwan. The study cohort consisted of 1 million people from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) followed over eight years (1st January 2001-31st December 2008). We used the two-tailed, paired-t-test to compare the significance of difference among outpatient visits for 1229 moon phase days and 1074 non-moon phase days by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes from NHIRD records. We found 58 diseases that showed statistical differences in number of outpatient visits in the non-moon and moon phases. The results of our study identified diseases that have significant variations during different lunar phases (non-moon and moon phases) for outpatient visits in the hospital. In order to fully understand the reality of the pervasive myth of lunar effects on human health, behaviors and diseases, more in-depth research investigations are required for providing comprehensive evidence covering all the factors, such as biological, psychological and environmental aspects.

Does Moon Phase Affect Indices of Kokanee Size and Abundance as Characterized by Gill‐Net Catch?

AbstractMany pelagic fish species such as kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka undertake diel vertical migration in response to dynamic interactions between ambient light, foraging opportunity, and predation risk. Consequently, kokanee populations are almost universally sampled during the dark phase of the moon (i.e., the new moon), presumably to optimize capture efficiency. However, it is unclear if this sampling precaution is necessary to avoid bias in kokanee catch data related to the moon phase. We used experimental gill nets to sample kokanee populations in two thermally stratified reservoirs during three distinct moon phases (i.e., new, first quarter, and full) to understand the relative effects of moon phase and other ambient light variables on total catch and average size of captured kokanee. The total catch of kokanee differed significantly between populations but was not significantly affected by moon phase, secchi depth, or net depth. The average size of kokanee sampled from both populations increased significantly with moon illuminance and likely reflects behavior associated with predator–prey dynamics. Results from this case study suggest that the effect of moon phase and other ambient light variables on gill‐net catch composition of kokanee is likely population‐specific and is governed in part by population parameters such as abundance, growth rate, and size‐structure. As such, investigators should be cognizant of—or perhaps standardize gill‐net samples to—ambient light variables when indexing populations of kokanee and other pelagic fishes that undertake diel vertical migrations, especially when size indices are examined.

Asian elephant movements between natural and human-dominated landscapes mirror patterns of crop damage in Sri Lanka

AbstractWildlife movements within a landscape are influenced by environmental factors such as food availability and, as human-modified landscapes continue to expand, the risks associated with encountering people. For Asian elephants Elephas maximus, human-dominated landscapes can be a risky but also rewarding habitat. When elephants share space with people, negative human–elephant interactions are common, sometimes resulting in injuries or deaths of both people and elephants. We monitored elephant movements in and out of a forest reserve in central Sri Lanka to test four predictions regarding elephant behaviour: (1) visits to agricultural areas occur at times of the year when crops are plentiful, (2) elephants exploit these areas by night to avoid interactions with people, (3) increased nocturnal illumination reduces use of agricultural areas, and (4) males make greater use of anthropogenic food sources than family groups. Analysis of camera-trap data confirmed that elephants visited human-dominated areas mostly at night. The frequency of such incursions was not influenced by moon phase for males, but there was a weak effect of moon phase for family groups. Males moved more frequently into human-dominated landscapes than family groups, and their movements showed a distinct seasonal pattern, peaking at times of rice and fruit harvest. Our findings suggest that elephants primarily venture into human-dominated areas to consume crops. Encouraging farmers in areas frequented by elephants to adapt land-use practices (e.g. guarding crops, fencing villages, planting orange/citrus fences) and establish early warning systems could help limit the damage caused by elephants.

The spatial ecology of black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) in a protected mountainous grassland area

An animal’s ability to traverse a landscape and utilise available resources is vital for its survival. The movement patterns of an animal provide insight into space use, activity patterns and ecological requirements that are imperative for successful farming and wildlife management practices. Home ranges are often used as a measurement of space use, which provides a quantitative value of an animal’s movement patterns in relation to various biological factors. A factor that is often overlooked in the analysis of movement patterns is the effect of moon phase, despite its known impact on the activity and hunting success of nocturnal predators. We live-trapped, radio-collared and monitored five black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, South Africa, between 2018 and 2019 to determine the impact of various environmental factors on movement patterns. Annual home ranges varied between individuals, were larger in subadults and overlapped between three jackals. Space use and travel velocity suggested a crepuscular activity pattern with a reliance on nocturnal activity and limited diurnal activity. Individual space use suggested variation between moon phases, although overall variation was negligible. Jackals travelled farther during new moon, compared with full moon, with the most notable difference between 23:00 and 04:00. Our results suggest that jackal behaviour does not align with the predation risk hypothesis. Space use and travel velocities varied between seasons, possibly because of differences in activity during mating and pupping periods. Our study confirms the flexibility in jackal space use and suggests a possible relationship with moon phase. To properly understand movement patterns at an individual and population level, we encourage additional research about jackals and various environmental factors via multidisciplinary collaborations.

Pengaruh umur bulan terhadap hasil tangkapan dengan jaring insang hanyut (Soma Landra) (Effect of moon phase on catches of drift gill net (Soma Landra))

Soma landra is classified as drift gillnet which rectangular shaped and it equipped with floats, head rope, buoy rope, towing rope and sign buoy. In operation, it is installed in a position to cut the current direction with the intention of blocking the fish motion. The influence of moon phase is one of the factors that is closely related to fish behavior, where one of them is interested in light. Besides the brightness of the moonlight can be affected to the efficiency of capture. Therefore, the aims of this study were determined the effect of moon phase on catches and determined the catches at each moon phase. Randomized Block Design (RBD) was used in this study. The analyzed indicated that difference or reject Ho, means there are differences in catches in each moon phase. The species of fish caught is flying fish in the local language known as Marluga (Cypsilirusolegoleptis) as a target fishes with a total catch of 364.On the full moon as many as 106 (29.12%), the final perennial of 57 (15.66%), the dark moon of 79 (21.70%) and the initial peraniage of 122 fishes (33.52%).

Influence of sea turtle nesting on hunting behavior and movements of jaguars in the dry forest of northwest Costa Rica

AbstractJaguars (Panthera onca) are opportunistic predators that prey on large profitable prey items, such as sea turtles at nesting beaches. Here, we use jaguar and sea turtle track‐count surveys, combined with satellite telemetry of one jaguar, to evaluate whether jaguar hunting behavior and movements are influenced by seasonal sea turtle nesting in the Sector Santa Rosa of Área de Conservación Guanacaste in northwest Costa Rica. We used generalized linear models to evaluate the effect of moon phase and sea surface temperature on olive ridley (Lepidochelis olivacea) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting abundance, as well as the combination of these predictors on the frequency of jaguar predation activity (proximity to nesting beaches) and movements. For home‐range size and location analyses, we calculated kernel density estimates for each season at three different temporal scales. Sea turtle nesting season influenced jaguar activity patterns, as well as sea turtle abundance was related to jaguar locations and predation events, but jaguar home‐range size (88.8 km2 overall) did not differ between nesting seasons or among temporal scales. Environmental conditions influenced sea turtle nesting and, as a consequence, also influenced jaguar movements and foraging activity. Our study defined the home range of a female jaguar in the tropical dry forest and its relationship to seasonally abundant turtles. Additional information related to the effect of tourism on jaguar–sea turtle interactions would improve conservation of these species at unique nesting beaches in the area.

Concentration of Mud Crab (Scylla olivacea Herbst, 1796) Moulting Hormones based on Moon Phase

Moon phase is one of the external factors that affect the dynamics of crab moulting hormones (ecdysteroids). This study aimed to determine the effect of moon phase on the moulting hormone concentration of the mud crab Scylla olivacea Herbst 1796. Data were collected on the haemolymph ecdysteroid concentration in the eight phases of the moon: new moon, 1/4 I, 1/2 I, 3/4 I, full moon, 3/4 II, 1/2 II and 1/4 II. Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography (UFLC) was applied for haemolymph moulting hormone analysis. The results showed that the pattern of haemolymph ecdysteroid concentration varied based on the phases of the moon. The highest haemolymph ecdysteroid concentration was found in 1/2 I and 1/2 II moon phases. During this phase the moon exerts a relatively weak gravitational force. The lowest haemolymph ecdysteroid concentration was found in the new and full moon phases during which the moons gravitational pull is the strongest.

Moon/sun - suicide.

Findings concerning the effects of moon phases and sun activity on suicide are mixed in the international literature. Our aim was to examine the hypothesised effects according to gender and age on Hungarian data covering more than 30 years. Time series ARIMA models and dynamic regression models were applied in our analysis. Among women aged 20-49 years, a significant increase in the risk of suicide has been observed during proton solar events. At the same time, among women aged 50-59 years a slight but significant decrease has been identified in the risk of suicide during magnetic storms and full moons. Proton solar events, geomagnetic storms and moon phases caused changes in the risk of suicide in certain age groups in the case of women only.

Lunar and climatic effects on boar ejaculate traits

There is evidence that phases of the moon affect wild animal behaviors including reproduction. There is, however, little evidence of moon phase effects on domestic livestock reproduction. This study investigated the effects of moon phase and climatic variables on boar ejaculate traits. Records of 4149 semen collections from boars of nine different breeds at one boar stud were used. The response variables were volume of ejaculate, concentration of sperm in the ejaculate, and number of doses obtained per ejaculate. Moon phase, greatest daily temperature (T), least daily T, average daily relative humidity (RH), temperature-humidity index (THI), season and the interaction of moon phase with season were analyzed at the day of collection and 45 days prior to date of collection as a proxy of initiation of spermatogenesis. For both dates analyzed season and the interaction of season with moon had significant effects (P < 0.05) on the volume of the ejaculate. Moon phase had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on volume of ejaculate at the day of collection. Sperm concentration was affected (P < 0.05) by the interaction of moon phase with season, high and low temperature, THI, RH and breed. Season had an effect (P < 0.01) on concentration of sperm at the initiation of spermatogenesis. For doses that could be used for AI that were obtained/ejaculate, there were effects of moon phase, season, the interaction between season and moon phase and breed (P < 0.05) at collection day and at the initiation of spermatogenesis. There was an interaction (P < 0.0001) between season and moon phase for volume of ejaculate, sperm concentration and number of doses obtained per ejaculate at date of collection and at day of initiation of spermatogenesis. The significant interaction of season and moon phase on boar semen traits suggests that to maximize productivity of modern swine production systems determining a collection schedule in some seasons relative to moon phase may be advantageous.

Contrasting Influence of Natural Nighttime Illumination on Capture Rates of the American Burying Beetle and Roundneck Burying Beetle (Coleoptera: Silphidae)

Abstract The nocturnal American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus Olivier, 1790; Silphidae), once widely distributed in the eastern United States, is currently listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The factors driving its decline remain largely unknown. Curiously, a closely related and ecologically similar burying beetle, the roundneck burying beetle (Nicrophorus orbicollis Say, 1825), remains abundant and widespread. We used two sets of trapping data from Nebraska and Oklahoma, USA to examine the effects of moon phase and weather on capture rates of the two species. We found that on nights with few clouds, increasing moonlight levels reduced captures of American burying beetles in baited pitfall traps at both sites. In Nebraska, cloud cover reversed the association between moon phase and capture rate (regression line slope became slightly positive). In contrast, in Oklahoma fewer American burying beetles were caught on cloudy nights for all moon phases. We hypothesize this to be ...

The Effect of Moon Phase on The Catch of Bigeye Tuna (Thunnus obesus) in Eastern Indian Ocean

Tuna is one of the important export commodities to increase government income. One of economically important tuna species is bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) which has a proportion of 21% of the total production of large tuna group. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different moon phase on the catch of bigeye tuna (T. obesus) in Eastern Indian Ocean. Data collection was conducted by the scientific observers from August 2005 to June 2014 in the tuna longline vessels were based in the port of Benoa, Bali. Moon phase data were collected from August 2005 to June 2014 from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Catch data were calculated using the catch rate formula which defined as the number of catches per 100 hooks. The number of catch rate then was sorted into each moon phases and were analyzed using one-way Anova. This study covered 62 trips and 1,480 numbers of operations or sets was conducted from sampled vessels. The result showed that the average catch rate of bigeye tuna differed significantly among the moon phases. Tukey post-hoc tests showed that the average catch rate at full moon was the highest among the groups with around 0.3/100 hooks. This study showed that moon phase had significant effect on the catch of bigeye tuna (T. obesus) that increased the catch during full moon. Keywords: moon phase, catch rate, Eastern Indian Ocea, tuna, Thunnus obesus

'Nature or nurture': survival rate, oviposition interval, and possible gonotrophic discordance among South East Asian anophelines.

BackgroundMosquito survival, oviposition interval and gonotrophic concordance are important determinants of vectorial capacity. These may vary between species or within a single species depending on the environment. They may be estimated by examination of the ovaries of host-seeking mosquitoes.MethodsLanding collections, Furvela tent-trap and CDC light-trap collections were undertaken sequentially in four locations in Cambodia between February 2012 and December 2013 and samples from the collected mosquitoes were dissected to determine parity, sac stage (indicative of time spent prior to returning to feed) and egg stage.ResultsA total of 27,876 Anopheles from 15 species or species groups were collected in the four locations and 2883 specimens were dissected. Both the density and predominant species collected varied according to location and trapping method. Five species were dissected in sufficient numbers to allow comparisons between locations. Estimated oviposition interval differed markedly between species but less within species among different locations. Anopheles aconitus had the shortest cycle, which was 3.17 days (95 % CI 3–3.64), and Anopheles barbirostris had the longest cycle, which took four days (95 % CI 3.29–4). Anopheles minimus had a higher sac rate in weeks leading up to a full moon but there was apparently little effect of moon phase on Anopheles dirus. Despite the fact that many of the species occurred at very low densities, there was no evidence of gonotrophic dissociation in any of them, even during sustained hot, dry periods. The principal Cambodian malaria vector, An. dirus, was only common in one location where it was collected in miniature light-traps inside houses. It did not appear to have an exceptional survival rate (as judged by the low average parous rate) or oviposition cycle.ConclusionsDifferences in the oviposition interval were more pronounced among species within locations than within species among ecologically diverse locations. A nationwide survey using CDC light-traps for the collection of An. dirus inside houses may help in determining patterns of malaria transmission in Cambodia.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1389-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Global effects of moon phase on nocturnal acoustic scattering layers

This research was supported by the Malaspina 2010 Expedition project, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Consolider-Ingenio 2010, CSD2008-00077) and co-funded by AZTI-Tecnalia. The research was equally supported by the baseline funding of S.K. provided by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). We thank Udane Martinez for setting the acoustics onboard and all those who contributed to the success of the Malaspina 2010 Expedition.

Quantifying moonlight and wind effects on flighted waterfowl capture success during night‐lighting

ABSTRACTNight‐lighting is a common technique used to capture waterfowl, upland birds, and waterbirds. The method involves using bright artificial light and a steady loud noise to startle and confuse birds, allowing close approach and capture by hand or with a long‐handled dip‐net. Many researchers using this technique have noticed that moon phase (or relative brightness) and weather conditions can affect capture rates. Using 16 years (1996–2011) of night‐lighting capture data collected during the Ontario Waterfowl Airboat Banding Program, Canada, the effects of moon phase and wind speed on capture rates for flighted waterfowl were quantified. Increasing moon brightness had a negative effect on capture rates for all species analyzed (mallard [Anas platyrhynchos], wood duck [Aix sponsa], blue‐winged teal [Anas discors], green‐winged teal [Anas crecca], ring‐necked duck [Aythya collaris], hooded merganser [Lophodytes cucullatus], and American black duck [Anas rubripes]), with an increasing rate of decline in capture rates when the moon was &gt;75% full (i.e., a bright night). Attempting waterfowl capture when the moon was &gt;75% full led to 2‐fold cost increase per bird captured over the average cost per bird captured. Increasing wind speed was positively correlated with capture rate for some species, but had no significant effect on capture rate for most species analyzed. Night‐lighting capture of flighted waterfowl should be planned primarily during dark to moderately dark nights to maximize capture efficiency and reduce costs. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.

Spatial and temporal relationships between deer harvest and deer-vehicle collisions at Oak Ridge Reservation, Tennessee

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)–vehicle collisions (DVCs) are increasing as human and deer populations continue to grow. Deer harvest was implemented at Oak Ridge Reservation, Tennessee (ORR) in 1985 to reduce DVCs. We assessed the relationship between DVCs at ORR to deer harvest, road type, and habitat features (forest, field, water, and developed cover types) during 1986–2008 using Poisson regression analysis and Akaike Information Criterion modeling. We also evaluated DVC numbers for the city of Oak Ridge and ORR during 1975–2008 to examine the effects of moon phase, employee work-shift timing, and season on DVCs. From 1975 to 2008, 4,637 DVCs occurred in Oak Ridge and ORR, with monthly DVCs peaking each November. Most DVCs occurred at the start of the workday. Annual DVC totals peaked at 273 in 1985; deer harvest was then implemented and DVCs declined. No harvest occurred in 2001 and DVCs increased for the next 2 years. A model including harvest, road type and distance, development, and water features received full support for explaining DVC occurrence. Harvest in the previous year was positively related to DVCs, likely reflecting higher hunter success with higher deer density. Higher traffic volume and speed were positively related to DVCs. There was no effect of moon phase for all records combined; however, analysis by season and gender showed a positive relationship to collisions for male deer during the gestation period (1 Jan–14 May), which may have been associated with dispersal. We recommend continued deer harvest and driver education to reduce DVCs. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.

Large‐scale, seasonal habitat use and movements of yellow American eels in the St. Lawrence River revealed by acoustic telemetry

AbstractLarge‐scale habitat use and movements of yellow American eels (Anguilla rostrata) from the St. Lawrence River were examined using acoustic telemetry from early summer to late fall in 2010 and 2011. Sixty‐seven eels were tagged, and their passage or presence was recorded using fixed acoustic arrays covering a 400 km distance along the St. Lawrence River and Estuary. Sixty‐four per cent of the 67 tagged eels were detected. Most eels were detected at only one array; the closest to their release location and at several occasions during the tracking period, suggesting a high proportion of freshwater residency in the upstream part of the St. Lawrence River. Downstream movements towards the brackish estuary (63–418 km distance) were demonstrated for 16.4% of the eels, particularly for those caught at the most downstream site that is close to the brackish estuary. Our results strongly suggest a lower activity of freshwater resident yellow eels during summer, a behaviour that may be related to day length, which defines time available for their nocturnal foraging. Indeed, yellow eels were detected primarily at night; no effect of moon phase was revealed. Movements in the vicinity of arrays (up to 116 km in the fluvial estuary) were suggested and smaller‐scale movements within Lac St. Louis were demonstrated, highlighting a yellow‐eel home range far more extensive than previously reported in smaller systems. Evidence for within‐season homing and site fidelity is also reported.

Seasonal patterns of habitat use by insectivorous bats in a subtropical African agro‐ecosystem dominated by macadamia orchards

AbstractWe report on acoustic surveys of insectivorous bats conducted during seven months of the year using ANABAT recordings in two habitats (macadamia orchards and adjacent riparian bush) in a subtropical agro‐ecosystem in northern South Africa. We defined two functional foraging groups of bats based on their echolocation calls: (i) open‐air foragers (family Molossidae) having narrow‐band, low‐frequency, low duty cycle calls; and (ii) clutter‐edge foragers (families Miniopteridae and Vespertilionidae), having broad‐band, higher frequency, low duty cycle calls. Bat activity (number of bat passes) was not significantly influenced by habitat. Total bat activity and activity of both functional groups varied significantly between seasons, being highest in summer and autumn (coinciding with annual peaks in numbers of Twin spotted (Bathycoelia natalicola) and Green (Nezara spp) Stinkbugs, order Heteroptera, family Pentatomidae, and Macadamia Nut Borer moths, Cryptophlebia ombrodelta) and lower in winter and spring. No significant effect of moon phase was detected, either on total activity or activity of the two functional groups. We postulate that the significant pattern of seasonality of commuting and/or foraging activity of bats in macadamia orchards (which is more marked in open‐air foragers) may be driven by the seasonal abundance of pest insects such as stinkbugs and Macadamia Nut Borer moths.

Influence of moon phases on serum level of sodium and lithium: a quasi-experimental study on rabbits

The present research aims to study the effects of moon phases on serum sodium and lithium levels in rabbits. Twenty-four male rabbits in two separated groups (sodium and lithium groups) were studied. In each study group, there were 12 rabbits, and 40 mg/kg lithium carbonate was orally administered to rabbits in one group on a daily basis. On days 1, 5, 9, 13, 15, 17, 21, and 25 of a lunar month, blood samples were taken from all rabbits. The highest mean of serum sodium levels was observed on the first day and the lowest mean was related to the 15th lunar day. Significant difference was noted between the 1st, 5th, 13th, and 17th days of the lunar month. In the lithium group, there was also a decreasing trend from the 1st to 17th lunar day in serum lithium level, but there was no statistical difference between lithium serum levels on different days of the lunar month. Fluctuations of bodily fluids under the influence of moon phases can be an effective factor in the changes in serum sodium levels. It is probable that due to small sample size we could not find significant difference in serum lithium levels.