NCF calls for light pollution reduction to conserve migratory birds

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and some conservationists have called for the eradication of light pollution to conserve migratory birds.

This is contained in a statement issued by the NCF on Wednesday at the end of an event hosted to mark the World Migratory Bird Day in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statement was signed by the NCF Head of Communications, Mr Oladapo Soneye.

The World Migratory Bird Day is an annual event used to raise awareness of bird migration and the importance of protecting the flyways and habitats utilised by birds during this seasonal experience.

Bird migration is the regular seasonal movement, often north and south along a flyway, between breeding and wintering grounds. Many species of birds migrate.

Light pollution is a significant and growing threat to wildlife including many species of migratory birds.

Every year, light pollution contributes to the death of millions of birds. It alters the natural patterns of light and dark in ecosystems. It can change birds’ migration patterns, foraging behaviours, and vocal communication.

The statement quoted the Director-General of NCF, Dr Muhtari Aminu-Kano, as saying that Nigerians should participate jointly in bird conservation by eradicating light pollution.

Aminu-Kano expressed concern about the challenges the birds were facing, especially migratory birds’ challenges, such as, but not limited to loss of habitat, persecution, famine and pollution.

He said that this year’s theme: “Light Pollution: Dim the light for birds at night,” was a clarion call to action for all to jointly participate in bird conservation.

According to him, research shows that birds do have accidents flying at night because of illumination from cities.

“When we switch off light bulbs that are not so useful, we help to reduce the chances of the birds having head-on-collision with buildings, trees, and other infrastructures,” Aminu-Kano said.

Dr Soladoye Iwajomo, Senior Lecturer, Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, defined light pollution as the introduction of artificial light, either directly or indirectly, into the natural environment.

Iwajomo said that light pollution results in the alteration of the natural pattern of light and dark in ecosystems.

According to him, light pollution is often caused by the way the light is emitted from lighting equipment.

He said that choosing the proper equipment and carefully mounting and aiming would make a significant difference.

Also speaking, Mr Abdulmalik Ogizi, who represented the Federal Ministry of Environment, said that migratory birds fly hundreds of thousand kilometres to find the best ecological conditions and habitats for feeding, breeding, and raising their young ones.

“When conditions at breeding sites become unfavourable, it is time to fly to regions where conditions are better.

“The phenomenon is accompanied by several anthropogenic, political, and environmental challenges on the migratory bird’s survival and conservation,” Ogizi said.

He said that the 2022 campaign highlights the impacts of the increase but underestimated the threat of light pollution on migratory birds.

Ogizi noted that artificial light was increasing globally by at least two per cent per year with an adverse effect on bird species.

He said that light pollution was a significant threat to migratory birds, causing disorientation when they fly at night, leading to collisions with buildings, increasing their vulnerability as prey to other animals perturbing their internal clocks, or interfering with their ability to undertake long-distance migrations.

The NCF’s Species Programme Lead, Dr Stella Egbe, said that the world comes together to celebrate and raise awareness of the beauty and threats of migratory birds twice every year.

Egbe described migration as the seasonal movements of birds between their breeding and wintering sites.

She said that seasonal activity is an important event that ensures the survival of lots of bird species.

“Every year, ornithologists, and conservation biologists study birds in all types of environments globally, monitoring their numbers and diversity.

“In recent years, it has been observed that species are declining rapidly, driving species to the brink of extinction.

“From habitat loss, indiscriminate killing and trade in birds, plastic pollution, birds are increasingly exposed to factors within the environment that they have not adapted to.

“It has been discovered that some adult birds are being harvested, which will prevent reproduction.

This will cause a general decline in the population of birds,” Egbe said.