| Autor: |
Barrientos R; Road Ecology Lab, Department of Biodiversity Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, José Antonio Novais 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain., Vickers W; Wildlife Health Center, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Dr, Davis, CA 95616, USA., Longcore T; Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA., Abelson ES; Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas Austin, Austin, TX 78705, USA., Dellinger J; Large Carnivore Section, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 260 Buena Vista Dr., Lander, WY 82520, USA., Waetjen DP; Road Ecology Center, Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA., Fandos G; Department of Biodiversity Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, José Antonio Novais 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain., Shilling FM; Road Ecology Center, Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. |
| Abstrakt: |
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasing in extent and intensity across the globe. It has been shown to interfere with animal sensory systems, orientation and distribution, with the potential to cause significant ecological impacts. We analysed the locations of 102 mountain lions ( Puma concolor ) in a light-polluted region in California. We modelled their distribution relative to environmental and human-disturbance variables, including upward radiance (nearby lights), zenith brightness (sky glow) and natural illumination from moonlight. We found that mountain lion probability of presence was highly related to upward radiance, that is, related to lights within approximately 500 m. Despite a general pattern of avoidance of locations with high upward radiance, there were large differences in degree of avoidance among individuals. The amount of light from artificial sky glow was not influential when included together with upward radiance in the models, and illumination from moonlight was not influential at all. Our results suggest that changes in visibility associated with lunar cycles and sky glow are less important for mountain lions in their selection of light landscapes than avoiding potential interactions with humans represented by the presence of nearby lights on the ground. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'. |
