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<p>Using artificial light at night to spot nocturnal non-volant mammals for research or nature tourism at night is common, yet, the effects of light type used for their detection is often overlooked. We studied the impact on the detection rates and distances of nocturnal mammals using three detection methods a thermal imaging device (Forward-Looking Infrared) combined with a head torch with a red filter, a head torch with a red filter only (peak wavelength: 650&#xa0;nm), and a conventional head torch with white light (peak wavelength: 556&#xa0;nm). Night transect surveys were conducted on foot in forested areas across Peninsular Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. White light reduced the detections of individuals and species compared to red light, while the thermal device combined with red light notably increased individual detections over red light alone. Across all sites, ten species were not detected with white light but were detected with the other two methods. Detection rates also differed significantly between the two study areas, emphasizing the importance of appropriate light spectrum when detecting nocturnal non-volant mammals. We recommend red light due to its higher detection rates, while white light should be avoided as it disrupts animals’ natural behaviors and increases startle and blinding risks. Future research should examine the effects of different light colors on the vision and welfare of various target species. Updated guidelines for nocturnal mammal research and tourism should prioritize the welfare of wildlife to conserve sensitive nocturnal taxa.</p>

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Optimising nocturnal mammal surveys in tropical forests: when red light is the key

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月6日

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  • Priscillia Miard,
  • Ummiatul Zainalabidin,
  • Ulmar Grafe,
  • Salwa Khalid,
  • Nik Fadzly Nik Rosely,
  • Henry Bernard,
  • Nadine Ruppert

摘要

Using artificial light at night to spot nocturnal non-volant mammals for research or nature tourism at night is common, yet, the effects of light type used for their detection is often overlooked. We studied the impact on the detection rates and distances of nocturnal mammals using three detection methods a thermal imaging device (Forward-Looking Infrared) combined with a head torch with a red filter, a head torch with a red filter only (peak wavelength: 650 nm), and a conventional head torch with white light (peak wavelength: 556 nm). Night transect surveys were conducted on foot in forested areas across Peninsular Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. White light reduced the detections of individuals and species compared to red light, while the thermal device combined with red light notably increased individual detections over red light alone. Across all sites, ten species were not detected with white light but were detected with the other two methods. Detection rates also differed significantly between the two study areas, emphasizing the importance of appropriate light spectrum when detecting nocturnal non-volant mammals. We recommend red light due to its higher detection rates, while white light should be avoided as it disrupts animals’ natural behaviors and increases startle and blinding risks. Future research should examine the effects of different light colors on the vision and welfare of various target species. Updated guidelines for nocturnal mammal research and tourism should prioritize the welfare of wildlife to conserve sensitive nocturnal taxa.