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LED Street Lights Killing Seabirds on Cape Verde

by Associação Projecto Vitó

Conservationists are calling for urgent action to protect vulnerable seabirds following the deaths of over 150 birds caused by high-intensity LED streetlights

The seabirds were killed due to impact with the lights or were later preyed upon by domestic cats (© Associação Projecto Vitó)

Light pollution is threatening the survival of seabird species on Brava Island. The replacement of street lamps with high-intensity LED lights is causing the death of hundreds of birds, putting colonies of protected species at risk.

On March 25th of this year, we received information from fishermen on Brava Island, who are part of our Guardians of the Sea Programme, reporting a high number of seabird deaths. In response, we organised a technical team to assess the situation and immediately contacted the National Directorate for the Environment (DNA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAA) on Brava Island. The investigation revealed that the cause of the falls and deaths of the birds was the replacement of yellow light bulbs with high-intensity LED lights in the town of Tantum. This replacement is being carried out by the Cape Verde Electricity Distribution Company (EDEC) as part of a programme by the Cape Verdean Government. Apparently, this change in lighting was not preceded by any environmental impact study. Tantum is a fishing community located close to the main seabird colonies on Brava Island.

The survey conducted by our team identified more than 150 dead birds, belonging to three species endemic to Cape Verde and one migratory species:

  • Boyd’s Shearwater (Puffinus boydi) (Pedreiro)
  • Cape Verde Storm-petrel (Hydrobates jabejabe) (Pedreirinho)
  • White-faced Storm-petrel (Pelagodroma marina) (Pedreiro Azul)
  • Leach's Storm-petrel Hydrobates leucorhous (Pedreirinho do Norte do Atlântico)

The birds died due to impact with the lights or were later preyed upon by domestic cats.

Urgent Action Required

The Vitó Project Association has already filed a complaint with the DNA and shared details of the impact with EDEC and DNA. However, no corrective action has been taken to date. The lights continue to attract and kill seabirds every night, putting at risk the main colonies of these species on Brava Island, Fogo Island and the Rombo Ilhéus Integral Nature Reserve. Given the gravity of the situation, urgent intervention by environmental authorities is essential to prevent the decimation of entire colonies of protected species.

The LED lights on a hillside (© Associação Projecto Vitó)

The Impact of Light Pollution on Seabirds

At a global level, it is widely recognized that light pollution represents one of the main environmental threats to pelagic seabirds. In Cabo Verde, especially in coastal areas and in the breeding areas of these species:

  • No new light sources should be installed, nor should yellow-tinted lamps be replaced with more powerful or white-light options.
  • Existing luminaires should be adjusted to direct light exclusively towards the ground.
  • Artificial light should be reduced during critical seabird breeding periods.
  • Before any replacement of public lighting, an environmental impact study on the affected species should be carried out.

    The implementation of inadequate lighting in sensitive areas represents a serious risk to these populations. The protection of seabirds is a commitment for all of us!

     

    3 Apr 2025

     

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