Echoes in the Dark: Unraveling the Influence of Artificial Light on Bat Activity in the Panama Canal Zone

Abstract

This study explores the effects of artificial light pollution on bat behavior in the Panama Canal Zone, an area renowned for its bat diversity but lacking in research on anthropogenic influences. Using a simulated streetlight setup along Pipeline road in Soberanía National Park, changes in bat activity and foraging patterns in response to the experimental lighting condition were investigated. The methodology involved audio recordings analyzed for bat passes and terminal feeding buzzes. Results reveal a notable increase in bat observations with the introduced artificial light condition, suggesting attraction by at least some of the observed species, likely driven by enhanced prey availability. Additionally, the study revealed a statistically significant change in the temporal distribution of bat activity relative to sunset, with bat observations remaining high later into the evening under the artificial light condition as compared to control. The results of this study suggest potential diminishing effects of artificial light on bat activity when natural ambient light levels are higher, from either remaining daylight in the brief time following sunset or increased moon illumination. While the conclusions of this study are limited by sample size constraints, the findings contribute to understanding the complex dynamics of behavioral responses of bats to artificial light in tropical ecosystems. Future research should focus on longer-term studies with larger sample sizes and consideration of additional environmental variables to inform conservation efforts and mitigate the ecological impacts of artificial light pollution on bats.