Event Type
Research Presentation
Location
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Start Date
24-4-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
24-4-2026 2:30 PM
Description
Habitat disturbance in the temperate zone has been shown to negatively impact moth biodiversity and population size through a reduction in moth food resources and light pollution. Our study sought to understand how human activity impacts moth population numbers and diversity (# unique taxa) in the tropics. Specifically, we sampled moth population and diversity using light traps on two different nights in a disturbed habitat (Mera township, Ecuador) and on two nights at a nearby ecolodge situated in dense tropical forest. Significantly fewer moths were observed during trapping sessions in the township, and many fewer distinct taxa were noted when compared to samples from the tropical forest. Further, we found that the foggy conditions on our second day of sampling in the tropical forest increased the attractiveness of our trap but did not seem to have the same impact in the township samples. Our study revealed that habitat disturbance and ALAN is detrimental to moth biodiversity and population in the tropics and highlights the often-hidden impacts of human activity on the ecosystem.
Included in
Impact of Human Disturbance on Moth Populations in Ecuador
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Habitat disturbance in the temperate zone has been shown to negatively impact moth biodiversity and population size through a reduction in moth food resources and light pollution. Our study sought to understand how human activity impacts moth population numbers and diversity (# unique taxa) in the tropics. Specifically, we sampled moth population and diversity using light traps on two different nights in a disturbed habitat (Mera township, Ecuador) and on two nights at a nearby ecolodge situated in dense tropical forest. Significantly fewer moths were observed during trapping sessions in the township, and many fewer distinct taxa were noted when compared to samples from the tropical forest. Further, we found that the foggy conditions on our second day of sampling in the tropical forest increased the attractiveness of our trap but did not seem to have the same impact in the township samples. Our study revealed that habitat disturbance and ALAN is detrimental to moth biodiversity and population in the tropics and highlights the often-hidden impacts of human activity on the ecosystem.
Comments
Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard.