What the study found
The study found that artificial light at night influenced several caracal behaviors, including movement, habitat selection, and foraging. Caracals avoided direct artificial light, while subadults appeared more tolerant of it than adults.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that artificial light at night is a pollutant that will continue to affect wildlife. They say that understanding how and where it influences species, and distinguishing between direct and indirect artificial light at night, can inform mitigation and conservation strategies.
What the researchers tested
The researchers studied adult and subadult caracals of both sexes using GPS collars and nighttime behavioral data. They used integrated step selection functions to examine movement and habitat selection, and resource selection functions to assess habitat selection at kill sites, while testing direct and indirect artificial light at night measures such as total upward radiance, public streetlights, and urban skyglow.
What worked and what didn't
Direct artificial light at night strongly shaped movement patterns, with avoidance of illuminated areas. Foraging behavior was also influenced by direct light, especially public street lighting, and caracals avoided highly illuminated places. At the same time, caracals selected areas closer to urbanization, and the interaction between urbanization and age class suggested a complex pattern in which artificial light and urbanization both constrained and may have benefited caracals.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe limitations beyond the study's focus on adult and subadult caracals. It also does not provide detail on effect sizes, study location, or how broadly the findings apply beyond the sampled animals.
Key points
- Caracals avoided direct artificial light at night.
- Upward radiance strongly influenced caracal movement patterns.
- Subadult caracals showed greater tolerance to artificial light at night than adults.
- Caracals selected areas closer to urbanization even while avoiding direct light.
- Foraging was influenced by direct light, especially public street lighting.
- The authors say separating direct and indirect light effects could help conservation planning.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Artificial light at night changed caracal movement and foraging
- Authors:
- Christopher J. Hickling, Laurel E. K. Serieys, Gabriella R. M. Leighton, Sarah S. Kienle, Jaqueline M. Bishop, Kathleen A. Carroll
- Institutions:
- University of Cape Town, University of Cape Town, University of Cape Town, University of Rhode Island, University of Rhode Island, University of Rhode Island
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-28
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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