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Tufts University

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Program Name

Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

Abstract

The impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on anuran populations has been a subject of growing concern in ecological research. Anurans are particularly susceptible to the impacts of artificial light due to their nocturnal nature and an extensive exposure throughout various stages of life histories. Exposure to artificial light has been shown to impact the larval development and reproductive behavior of anurans. The impacts on anurans juvenile populations suggest a relationship between light pollution and anuran abundance. This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that ALAN negatively affects the abundance and diversity of anurans. Field surveys were conducted in areas with and without ALAN, and lux levels were measured across various anuran species. Contrary to expectations, comparisons between areas with and without ALAN revealed no significant difference in anuran abundance, with ALAN habitats showing a higher diversity index. However, the preference of anurans for areas with 0 lux may still suggest a relationship between light pollution and anuran habitat choice. While average lux comparisons across anuran species supported differential effects of light pollution, statistical significance was only observed for one species. Nevertheless, the observed light tolerance of heavily pigmented eggs, such as those of S. albomaculata, to ALAN suggests paths for further investigation. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the impact of ALAN on anuran communities and emphasizes the importance of further investigation in this emerging field of study.

Disciplines

Biodiversity | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Human Ecology | Population Biology | Zoology

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