Shedding light on the dark: Does artificial illumination affect mammal activity at waterholes in sub‐Saharan Africa?

Abstract

Abstract Artificial lighting is increasingly used at waterholes in tourism areas to enhance nocturnal wildlife viewing, yet its effects on animal behavior remain poorly understood. We experimentally tested the impacts of artificial lighting on mammal visitation patterns at waterholes across two dry seasons in north‐central Namibia. Using motion‐activated camera traps, we monitored six lit and six unlit waterholes before and after lights were introduced, analyzing visit frequency, duration, and diel activity for 10 mammal species, including carnivores and herbivores. Overall, lighting had minimal effects on most species. Gemsboks ( Oryx gazella ) increased their use of lit waterholes, while lions ( Panthera leo ) reduced nocturnal activity at lit sites and increased activity at dark waterholes. No consistent evidence of habituation emerged, suggesting shifts were driven by environmental factors or predator–prey dynamics rather than acclimation to light. These findings indicate that water acquisition in arid regions may override perceived risks from artificial lighting, and most species are not strongly deterred by light. While artificial lighting can influence behavior in some cases, overall waterhole use showed limited negative impacts. This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how artificial lighting interacts with wildlife behavior and resource use, providing insight that can help managers develop evidence‐based guidelines for sustainable tourism practices that minimize potential disturbance to wildlife.