We light up for the wild

Public area lighting is often required for human amenity, safety and productivity. This same artificial light, however, can have a detrimental effect on fauna Including marine turtles, seabirds and migratory shorebirds.

The effect of light on wildlife is a function of the animal’s sensitivity and response to light and the cues it uses during sea finding, foraging, migrating etc. Turning nights into days with artificial lighting can disturb this natural behavior. Artificial lights can also attract wildlife to areas considered harmful, such as roadways, pathways and parking lots.

Minimising the effects of artificial light

There are some controllable factors which can help minimise the effect of artificial lighting on natural ecosystems. These include:

• Use long wavelength (550-700 nanometers, orange to red) lights wherever possible

• Do not use white lights that emit ultraviolet light

• Limit strong blue or green spectral elements

• Adopt as an objective the joint achievement of the minimum light level required for human safety and avoidance of turtle disruption

• Avoid light spill onto the beach and sea surface

• Use light fixtures that are mounted low down, shielded and aligned to direct light onto the target area only

• Smart controls for lights to include dimming and scheduling

• Limit sky glow by zero upward light

The Natuur Range by Sylvania Schréder features LEDs that illuminate our roadways, pathways and parking areas, whilst minimising the negative effects of artificial light on our wildlife. By understanding the effect of artificial light on animals, and balancing that with the needs of humans who coexist with these animals, we have been able to develop a range of luminaires that respect the needs of people, as well as the needs of creatures great and small.