UNDER CONSTRUCTION
MIGRALIGHT · Ongoing project
Following scops owls across continents to understand how urbanisation and artificial light at night shape migration.
The project
MIGRALIGHT investigates how human-induced environmental change affects long-distance animal migration and the evolutionary consequences of migratory change. We monitor scops owl (Otus scops) populations living in contrasting environments across a broad geographical range.
The project was launched with support from the Swiss Ornithological Institute and a Global Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action, and continues through an international network of researchers and conservation organisations.
Compare
Identify differences in migratory behaviour between urban and non-urban populations.
Test
Measure the effects of artificial light at night across a broad geographical range.
Connect
Determine population structure and connectivity under contrasting anthropogenic pressures.
Why scops owls?
The Eurasian scops owl is one of Europe’s smallest owls and its only long-distance migratory owl. It breeds around the Mediterranean and winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Its use of urban habitats and nest boxes makes it an exceptional study system for investigating how migratory behaviour changes in human-altered environments.
Network and support
The project brings together scientific and public organisations across Europe. Partner details and the full collaboration map will be expanded as project information is consolidated.
