What is the importance of an animal's night vision in the book, The Elephant Whisperer?

Animals are at a distinct advantage over humans in many ways. At night their superiority is intensified by their excellent night vision. A reflective membrane behind the iris of most animals serves as a magnifier of distant light, even starlight. This light reflector is the reason that animals’ eyes will show up in the pitch black night when nothing else can be seen. Among all animals, the night vision of the big cats is supreme which makes them daunting and effective night hunters.