Lighting the way for local wildlife
Cardinia Shire Council is trailing wildlife sensitive lighting in selected locations including along McGregor and Soldiers Roads in Rythdale.
The trial aims to reduce the impact of artificial lighting on local wildlife such as the Crescent Honeyeater, echidnas, Gould’s wattle bat and the Australian Painted Lady Butterfly.
Majority of the shire’s current lights have cool-white colour LED globes. While artificial light at night can enhance human sight, and perceptions of safety and security, the unnatural light can have negative effects on both humans and wildlife.
Wildlife sensitive lighting uses warm, amber coloured LED globes with reduced blue-white light to maintain key natural, bodily processes.
Wildlife sensitive lighting uses similar technology to, turning on the blue-light filter on your phone, as warmer lights are more natural and therefore have more natural effects on your body.
Warm, amber-coloured lights have been found to improve and regulate sleep, behaviour, feeding, growth, development, and reproduction in wildlife.
The three 3000k solar wildlife sensitive lights have been installed at key intersections and bends along McGregor and Soldiers Roads, with the lights directed down at the road to reduce light spill and glare for nearby wildlife.
For more information about wildlife sensitive lighting, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/parks_and_environment or call 1300 787 624.