Experimentally manipulating light spectra reveals the importance of dark corridors for commuting bats.

摘要: © 2018 The Authors Global Change Biology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd rapid global spread of artificial light at night is causing unprecedented disruption to ecosystems. In otherwise dark environments, street lights restrict the use major flight routes some bats, including threatened lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros, and may disrupt foraging. Using radio tracking, we examined response individual female R.hipposideros experimental placed on hedgerows used as routes. Hedgerows were illuminated one side over four nights using with different emission spectra, while opposite hedge was not illuminated. Automated detectors examine changes in overall activity other species present. reduced significantly under all types, red light, challenging a previously held assumption that safe for bats. Despite this, rapidly adapted presence switching their paths hedgerow, enabling them reach foraging sites without restriction. Red had no effect Slow-flying Myotis spp. avoided orange, white green more agile Pipistrellus active these types compared controls, most probably accumulations insect prey. No any type found Nyctalus or Eptesicus Our findings demonstrate caution must be when promoting forms lighting are thought wildlife before they tested widely. We argue it essential preserve corridors mitigate impacts movements.