Sometimes we may hear the high-pitched calls of southern lapwings or black-bellied whistling ducks as they feed or fly overhead during hours of darkness. There are many species of birds that can operate at night, but these are distinct from those that are strictly nocturnal. They are cryptically patterned with various shades of brown, cream, rufous, and other natural tones in such a way that renders them invisible against the appropriate background. For others, however, hiding in plain sight is what they do best. To ensure that they remain undisturbed, many animals hide in burrows in the earth or within large trees, out of sight and reach of any potential predators. Nocturnal animals must also conceal themselves during their daytime rest. Most of these adaptations would prove useless for a diurnal animal, especially one that is heavily dependent on sight. Others have long whiskers to feel their way in the darkness. Many nocturnal animals also have oversized ears as sound is critical for mapping their environment. This translates to exceptionally large eyes.
In a world of little to no light, their eyes are adapted to maximize visual acuity and light-gathering ability. Their physiology and appearance are specially tailored to suit. While most of us sleep at night and wake during the day, these animals are awake in the night. Nocturnal animals are carefully and deliberately adapted to survive in a world that is the opposite of what we are accustomed to. Huge eyes help the common potoo track its prey throughout the night. As a result, they are often persecuted and chased and may even be killed on sight. Some view them as harbingers of death and misfortune, others believe they are incarnations of evil spirits.
Many nocturnal animals have been wrongfully accused, becoming victims of fearful superstitions. Numerous legends abound, almost always involving some aspect of the perceivable combined with a healthy helping of the imperceptible. The animals which depend on the world devoid of light seem alien to us. Humans have evolved enthralled and terrified of the night. Here are some of the creatures he sees after dark. Photo by Faraaz Abdoolįaraaz Abdool has taken up residence within the north east Tobago Man and the Biosphere Reserve to document the flora and fauna. Thursday The raised foot of this barn owl indicates it is relaxed.
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