Too Much Light at Night? It's Harming Our Wildlife

Did you know that excessive artificial lighting at night is affecting Australia's native wildlife?

Many nocturnal animals rely on natural darkness for vital behaviours such as foraging, hunting and migrating. These species have evolved over thousands of years to live and thrive in the dark. However, increasing levels of light pollution are disrupting their natural patterns, making it harder for them to survive and affecting the balance of entire ecosystems.

From bright city streets to over-lit backyards, artificial light can confuse navigation, alter feeding habits and even interfere with reproduction in animals that depend on the night.

The good news is that there are simple actions you can take at home to help reduce light pollution. According to Queensland Government, the best ways to take action are:

• Only light areas that genuinely need it, and consider whether the light serves a clear purpose
• Use non-reflective, dark-coloured surfaces near outdoor lighting to limit glare and light spread
• Avoid white or cool-toned lights. Choose amber-coloured bulbs that emit minimal blue light, which is less disruptive to wildlife

By being more thoughtful about how we use light at night, we can help protect our environment. These small changes not only preserve the natural beauty of the night sky but also support the survival of countless native species.

Protecting the night is a step toward protecting the natural world. Let’s keep the night dark for those who need it most.

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