Images copyright: Kamiel Spoelstra
Workshop Urban Ecology & Biobased Solutions
Effects of lighting on humans, bats and insects
Presentation by Kamiel Spoelstra
The Netherlands and the rest of the world are becoming increasingly lighter. Light has extreme effects on animals. The rhythm and reproductive capabilities of birds, bats, frogs/toads and insects, among others, can be seriously disrupted. Bats, being nocturnal animals par excellence, are particularly affected by high light levels. To protect biodiversity (of bats), nighttime light must be reduced. In addition to reducing lighting, you can also look at adjusting the spectrum of the lighting used. Most bats (and insects) see red light less well compared to humans. This presentation explains the effects and possible applications of different types of light on the activity of bats and insects. The effect of light pollution on human biology is also explained.