Work

Inconsistent light measurement protocols in animal studies hinder wildlife-adapted LED illumination applications for natural habitats

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Urbanisation is leading to an increase in outdoor lighting technologies in cities, which can disrupt wildlife habitats in urban greenery and alter their natural biological, physiological, and behavioural rhythms. Despite the flexibility of LED lighting technology, it is not being used effectively in practise to minimise ecological disturbances while providing sufficient illumination for people. A PRISMA review of 31 papers on lighting using contemporary LED sources and wildlife species revealed that lighting parameters were inadequately described to (1) characterise the relationship between assessed ecological impacts and light properties and (2) adjust properties of contemporary lighting technologies to reduce such impacts on animals. The authors suggest strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations for informed sustainable development by establishing common procedures and methods to ensure the transferability of research outcomes to practical applications.

Source: Frontiers in Sustainable Cities

DOI: 10.3389/frsc.2025.1710192

Authors: Seren Dincel, Claudia López-Alfaro, Marcus Hedblom, Karolina M. Zielinska-Dabkowska, Ute C. Besenecker

Institutions: KTH Royal Institute of Technology, University of Chile, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Gdańsk University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Impact of Light on Environment and Health

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,418