The astronomical phenomenon on August 12 will provide a unique opportunity to study how wildlife reacts to a sudden alteration of natural light cycles.
The BIOPARC parks in Fuengirola and Valencia will conduct a comparative study of different species through direct observation and audio and video recording to assess their responses. As centers committed to nature, understanding animal behavior is a fundamental tool for ensuring their well-being and advancing biodiversity conservation. BIOPARC Aquarium of Gijón is participating in the official campaign “A Unique View. Take Care of It” by distributing free certified safety glasses to its visitors.
On August 12th, Spain will witness a fascinating event, a total solar eclipse which, for a few minutes, will transform day into sudden darkness. Beyond the interest it arouses among the population, this unique phenomenon also presents an exceptional opportunity to get closer to nature and its biodiversity, studying how animals respond to such an abrupt change in environmental conditions.
Wildlife behavior during the solar eclipse
The behavior of animals is influenced by a wide variety of environmental stimuli: temperature, weather conditions, seismic activity and, of course, luminosity. Circadian rhythmsThe systems responsible for coordinating processes such as feeding, resting, and reproduction are closely linked to the natural alternation between day and night. When this sequence is suddenly disrupted, as happens during a solar eclipse, some species can temporarily modify their behavior.
Environmental stimuli during the solar eclipse
Despite that Eclipses have sparked curiosity For centuries, the behavior of animals during these events has remained poorly understood. Their short duration and the rarity with which they occur make scientific studies difficult. Furthermore, the fact that they happen in a specific location and over a highly variable period, which can last for many years, makes it difficult to replicate experiments under similar circumstances. For this reason, each eclipse represents a a unique opportunity to gather documentation and better understand the relationship between light cycles and biology.
Research conducted to date shows that There is no single answer.Some species barely experience any changes, while others adopt habits typical of the end of the day, seeking refuge or reducing their activity as they interpret that night has arrived early.
Similarly, the following have been described temporary groupings In species such as baboons, giraffes, flamingos, or turtles, they gather together during periods of maximum darkness and disperse again when the usual light returns. In primates, especially great apes, a tendency has been observed to climb to high structures while some reptiles, far from reducing their movement, their movements increase during the eclipse. In certain cases, they may also appear vigilant or restless behaviorHowever, publications agree that this behavior is usually occasional and varies considerably between species and individuals.
Specific monitoring of animal behavior at BIOPARC
Just like centers committed to nature conservation, on the occasion of this eclipse, the BIOPARC of Fuengirola and Valencia will develop a specific monitoring on reaction of different species Given this exceptional event, the analysis will consist of compare the behavior of certain animals at the predicted time of the eclipse, the days leading up to and during the event itself.
All this collected information will contribute to to expand knowledge about the influence of abrupt changes in light on species so different and will allow us to delve deeper into one of the fundamental pillars from BIOPARC: the study of animal behavior as a tool for ensure their well-being and advance its conservation. Likewise, We will participate in the TriEclipse Project, a pioneering performance in the world led by UDENA (Unit of Nature).
BIOPARC Fuengirola, in coordination with the AIZA (Iberian Association of Zoos and Aquariums) will focus on two species with very different characteristics, the binturong (Arctictis binturong), a mammal with primarily crepuscular and nocturnal habits, especially sensitive to variations in light, as well as the sitatungas (Tragelaphus spekii), an African antelope whose activity is closely linked to the natural cycles of the day.
In the case of binturongThe observation of behavior by the Zoology team will be combined with continuous image and sound recording. The objective will be to identify possible changes in aspects such as... vocalizations, use of space, or interactions between individualsThe acoustic recording will also allow the detection of variations that might go unnoticed through visual observation. Regarding the sitatungasSpecial attention will be paid to possible modifications to their activity, displacements, social behavior or search for refuge.
BIOPARC Valencia, for its part, will also focus attention on very diverse species.
On the one hand, the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta Africana), through viewing images and sound of the herd which, having two offspring, can be very interesting.
You will also be able to see the reaction of the two cubs in the group of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus), the largest in Spain, in this case, adding live supervision by Biology staff.
Finally, a camera trapping system is installed in the new enclosure of the Aldabra tortoises (Geochelone gigantea), the second largest land tortoise in the world.
Furthermore, BIOPARC Gijón Aquarium participates as a science museum in the national campaign “A unique view. Take care of it.” driven by Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, ONCE and FECYTThanks to this initiative, the Aquarium is providing free certified glasses to all its visitors...while supplies last, thus reinforcing its commitment to scientific outreach and the promotion of safe enjoyment of this astronomical event.
Responsibility for the well-being of our pets during the eclipse.
Similarly, we must take all the precautions with the animals we live withbecause we are responsible for their well-being. The change from bright light to dim light may cause them a slight and momentary discomfort. disorientation, yes ok, does not pose any riskThe greatest danger is that they might look directly at the Sun, so the most important thing is to prevent it and make sure they don't.
The best way to support our dogs, cats, birds, or any other pet during this phenomenon is to offer them a quiet environmentIn fact, it's recommended to maintain their usual routines, as well as avoid crowds and situations that could cause them stress. As a precaution, it's advised that they not be left to roam freely, since, overwhelmed, they could become disoriented and get lost.
