Abstract
Astronomical light pollution (skyglow) is a pervasive, broad-scale sensory pollutant which extends far into natural areas. It artificially increases the nocturnal sky brightness and alters natural light cycles which have been relatively constant through evolutionary history. To date, most studies focused on direct light sources affecting nocturnal habitats, while the biological consequences of skyglow on nocturnal communities remain unknown. My project is the first to investigate the impact of skyglow on acoustic and visual communication in free-living birds. I will investigate individual-level communication in response to daily variation in natural and artificial light across a population-level gradient of skyglow pollution (ranging from near-pristine to heavily polluted skies). I will achieve this by using novel, animal-borne tracking technologies combined with highly-detailed measurements and simulations of nocturnal sky brightness. Experimental approaches will also be used. Using the European Nightjar, a nocturnal bird sensitive to subtle changes in ambient light, my project is a unique opportunity to unravel the role of nocturnal light on animal communication while playing a pivotal role in a largely unexplored research frontier.
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