EFFECT OF LIGHT POLLUTION ON THE SPECIES COMPOSITION OF MOSS COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Artificial night lighting has a detrimental effect on ecosystems, altering natural light conditions in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Some of the negative effects of light pollution have already been demonstrated, but countless more research is needed to get a complete picture of its impact on wildlife. The effects of light pollution on insects and birds are already better known, but its effects on flora have only been systematically studied in recent years. Botanical research is largely focused on vascular plants, while little information is available on the effects of light pollution on cryptogams. In this study, the effects of light pollution on the species composition of moss communities were investigated.