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Light Pollution Threatens Kerala's Wildlife
21 Sep
Summary
- Five protected areas in Western Ghats face high artificial light pollution.
- Sabarimala and road networks are identified as major pollution sources.
- Light pollution can negatively impact animals, plants, and ecosystems.
Five protected areas within the Western Ghats are experiencing significant levels of artificial light at night (ALAN), a phenomenon that may adversely impact local wildlife and ecosystems. A study by Kerala Agricultural University's forest resource management department assessed 21 protected areas, identifying Periyar Tiger Reserve (West division) as having the highest ALAN index.
The research indicates that places of worship, road networks, and gathering spots are strongly associated with the observed light pollution. Specifically, the presence of artificial lights around Sabarimala and adjacent infrastructure within the Periyar Tiger Reserve may contribute to its high ALAN levels. Streetlights and intense beams from distant sources also extend into these protected zones, impacting nocturnal environments.
This emerging ecological stressor affects all living organisms by disrupting their natural behavioral, psychological, physiological, and reproductive systems, as they are deprived of adequate rest. The study used remote sensing data to evaluate light density from roads, buildings, and tourism spots, highlighting the proximity of these protected areas to human-dominated landscapes.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature also notes that light pollution disrupts nocturnal ecosystems, interferes with natural rhythms, degrades wilderness aesthetics, poses human health risks, and wastes energy.
