Effects of the total solar eclipse of March 9, 2016 on the animal behaviour

Abstract

Studies on animal behaviour associated with natural phenomenon such as a solar eclipse, provides valuable contribution to the ecology of the studied animal. An observation on the effect of the total solar eclipse on the environment and animal behaviour was done in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia on March 8-9, 2016. Four recorded environmental factors changed dramatically during the solar eclipse. Air temperature, light intensity, and wind-speed dropped and reached the peak around the maximum eclipse, whereas humidity increased at the same time. The observed animals, i.e. Heck’s macaque, flying fox, maleo, amphibians, and several insects showed unusual behaviour as a response to the environmental changes. Meanwhile, tarsier showed no response to the solar eclipse. This observation revealed the effect of the total solar eclipse on the environment and animal behaviour.