Hunters urged to stop using bright headlights

Hunters are being asked not to use powerful lamps and headlights to stun their prey, as this can seriously disrupt the behavioural patterns of night-dwelling or nocturnal animals in the immediate area, according to a release issued yesterday by the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Zoological Society (ZSTT).

The society said the use of artificial lights is becoming a growing trend among hunters and reminded them that such practices were not allowed under the Conservation of Wildlife Act.

“Use of artificial lights in hunting has far-reaching implications for wildlife in general as it can profoundly affect the behaviour of animals active at night. The ZSTT therefore calls on hunters to act responsibly and obey the wildlife laws.”

Newsday spoke with professor of zoology at the UWI, St Augustine, Christopher Starr, who said the use of headlights in hunting not only stuns prey, but also affects other organisms in the area by seriously impairing their field of vision, effectively rendering them blind.

“A key point is that mammals are largely nocturnal, so it is very disruptive to many mammals to shine a light, which is extremely disorienting by disrupting the animal’s entire visual field. It is worse than blinding the animal.”

He added that birds that may be resting or perching are also susceptible to bright lights and said there was no enforcement of existing wildlife laws.

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