Wildlife Deterrence from Hazards Using High Brightness Ultraviolet Light

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the behavioral impact of varying LED (light emitting diode) spectral emissions on avian species. A novel oculo-neuro-motor response to monochromatic LEDs has been identified. LED colored light of sufficient intensity matched to the short-wavelength cones of avian species can efficiently diminish overall visual perception leading to an augmented behavioral response. The study method involved monitoring the change in behavioral response after exposure to high brightness monochromatic LED light to wild Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) foraging and nesting in their natural environment. Our results demonstrated a statistically significant change in foraging behaviors with wild Osprey (p = 0.005) and in nesting behavior as a result of exposure to high brightness monochromatic LED light. An augmented behavioral responses was observed which is believed to be analogous to human reaction to solar glare and glint. The neuroimaging mechanism of avian species is discussed. This novel augmented behavioral response provides a new technique of studying the neuroscience of temporal and spatial light stimulus. A non-lethal deterrence technique involving the augmented behavioral response could mitigate mortality and morbidity of avian-human conflict in areas such as airports, airplane bird strikes, and wind turbines.