New Books Network Living Night: On the Secret Wonders of Wildlife After Dark
Dec 11, 2025
Dr. Sophia Kimmig, an ecologist and behavioral biologist, dives into the mysterious world of nocturnal wildlife. She shares fascinating insights from her research, including how creatures like foxes and owls adapt to life after dark. Discover the critical importance of nighttime habitats and the impact of light pollution on both wildlife and human health. Kimmig also debunks myths about opossums and reveals the evolutionary roots of nocturnality, all while inspiring a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the night.
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Discovering A Parallel Night City
- Sophia Kimmig describes trapping and radio-collaring urban red foxes at night in Berlin and discovering a vivid nocturnal city life.
- She recounts unexpected catches (hedgehogs, raccoons) and feeling like she entered a parallel universe after dark.
Nightlife Is Vast But Understudied
- About 62% of animals are estimated to be nocturnal or crepuscular, yet science disproportionately studies daytime species.
- Data gaps skew conservation assessments, with 81% of data-deficient mammals being nocturnal.
Moth Antennae Are Nature's Noses
- Moths detect scents using feathery antennae that massively increase surface area for picking up tiny airborne particles.
- This shows nocturnal species often evolve nonvisual senses to replace color-based communication.
