Tethered by Moonglow

Under the thinning leaf-crown,
a moon-knife cuts
sharpening shadows.
Night-drinkers stir,
their breath clinging
to earth’s cool fingers.
Some hide,
pressing fur to soil-mantles,
while others stretch
into the silver-reach,
drawn towards
the shimmer-path.
The forest holds old laws –
branches pull tight,
roots curl in sleep.
But still,
the moon-shift calls –
turning eyes
toward the sky-mirror.
In the underdark,
they watch,
waiting for a tide
that will never touch.

This poem is inspired by recent research, which has found that tropical mammals react to changes in lunar light.

Animals are constantly balancing risks and opportunities in their environment, and light plays a crucial role in shaping their behaviour. One of the most significant natural light sources is the moon, and its changing phases can affect how animals move and interact, particularly at night. In dark environments like the floors of tropical forests, where thick canopies limit light, it’s important to understand how animals respond to the lunar cycle. This can help us better comprehend their activity patterns and the ways they interact with each other in different lighting conditions.

This study looked at how 86 mammal species in tropical forests across three continents reacted to moonlight, using long-term camera trap data. It found that many animals adjusted their activity depending on the lunar phase. Around 30% of the species, particularly nocturnal animals like rodents, were more likely to avoid the full moon, while 20% were drawn to it, including species like deer. The study highlights that moonlight can significantly influence animal behaviour, even in the dense undergrowth of forests. Understanding these patterns is important, as the effects of lunar phases could become more pronounced in forests that are damaged or fragmented, making this research a valuable reference for future studies on environmental change and wildlife behaviour.