Effects of Artificial Light on Bat Foraging Activity in East Tennessee By Aaliyah Crane
Abstract
Light pollution, characterized by excessive artificial light, disrupts natural nocturnal ecosystems and the animals that live in them, including bats. Bats prey on insects through the use of echolocation. Some species may exploit light sources to forage where insects are more abundant, while others may exhibit avoidance, which can lead to habitat fragmentation and reduced foraging ranges. In East Tennessee, bats help control insect numbers and artificial lights may be affecting their ability to thrive. This study aims to investigate the impacts of light intensity on bat foraging activity in East Tennessee, where they provide crucial ecosystem services through insect control. Song Meter SM4BAT bioacoustics recorders were used in Johnson City and Jonesborough, TN to determine the frequency of bat foraging across a gradient of light intensities: high-intensity, low-intensity and no light control sites. It is hypothesized that bat foraging frequency will vary between different lighting intensities since some bat species may increase activity in response to the amount of prey available under high intensity light while others may reduce activity due to echolocation interference or light avoidance. The findings were processed using SonoBat to classify the species, and the data will be used to clarify the relationship between artificial light and local bat populations, providing essential information to inform bat conservation efforts and light management strategies aimed to mitigate ecological disruptions.
Start Time
15-4-2026 10:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 11:00 AM
Room Number
219
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
UG Orals
Presentation Category
Science, Technology, and Engineering
Student Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Richard Carter
Effects of Artificial Light on Bat Foraging Activity in East Tennessee By Aaliyah Crane
219
Light pollution, characterized by excessive artificial light, disrupts natural nocturnal ecosystems and the animals that live in them, including bats. Bats prey on insects through the use of echolocation. Some species may exploit light sources to forage where insects are more abundant, while others may exhibit avoidance, which can lead to habitat fragmentation and reduced foraging ranges. In East Tennessee, bats help control insect numbers and artificial lights may be affecting their ability to thrive. This study aims to investigate the impacts of light intensity on bat foraging activity in East Tennessee, where they provide crucial ecosystem services through insect control. Song Meter SM4BAT bioacoustics recorders were used in Johnson City and Jonesborough, TN to determine the frequency of bat foraging across a gradient of light intensities: high-intensity, low-intensity and no light control sites. It is hypothesized that bat foraging frequency will vary between different lighting intensities since some bat species may increase activity in response to the amount of prey available under high intensity light while others may reduce activity due to echolocation interference or light avoidance. The findings were processed using SonoBat to classify the species, and the data will be used to clarify the relationship between artificial light and local bat populations, providing essential information to inform bat conservation efforts and light management strategies aimed to mitigate ecological disruptions.
