Effects of Video Mapping Events on Avian Biodiversity in an Urban Botanical Garden

Birds that live in our cities can be affected by human activities that alter their natural behaviour. While numerous studies have explored the impact of daily human activities, relatively little attention has been given to the effects of transient events, such as artistic installations, which represent a potential source of disturbance. This study focuses on Video Mapping, a technology that allows video projections on non-homogeneous surfaces, usually on buildings or monuments. Despite its potential to introduce light and sound pollution, no prior investigation, to our knowledge, has examined the ecological implications of this technology. Accordingly, here we tested the impact of Video Mapping on avian urban biodiversity, focusing on an artistic installation that took place in the Botanical Garden of the University of Palermo in summer 2021. Our findings reveal a reduction in bird abundance in the days preceding the event, though no discernible impact was observed during or subsequent to the event. We also quantified the brightness and loudness of single projections, revealing that higher levels of light and sound intensity were associated with reduced local bird abundance and diversity. Our results encourage new investigations into the impacts of transient events or artistic installations in urban green areas. Such inquiries are necessary for the development of evidence-based strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of human activities on urban ecosystems, fostering harmonious relationships between humans and wildlife in urban contexts.