Effects of noise pollution on animals

Effects of noise pollution on animals

For decades, mankind has been clear about the negative effects of noise pollution on human health. However, there is a growing awareness that noise pollution also has a significant impact on animals. The area of ​​ecoakustics has thrown light on the complex acoustic ecosystem in which animals live and communicate, and how our activities can disturb this sensitive balance.

definition and causes of the noise pollution

What is noise pollution?

Noise pollution, also known as sound pollution or ambient noise, refers to excessive, disturbing and undesirable noises in the environment that disturb normal functioning and the balance of life. The threshold for noise pollution is 60 decibels - the noise level of a normal conversation.

Causes of noise pollution

The main challenge when addressing noise pollution is that it usually comes from human activities. Transport, construction work, industrial activities and even leisure activities such as concerts lead to ambient noise that extends far beyond the direct environment.

Effects of noise pollution on animals

noise pollution and wild animals

Numerous studies showed that noise pollution has a significant impact on wildlife. An example of this are birds. Noise pollution can significantly influence bird populations in urban areas by changing their singing behavior to get over the noise. These changes can affect your ability to mate and defend your territory.

noise pollution also influences the behavior and spread of mammals. For example, it was shown that bats avoid noise areas, which can affect their ability to hunt and search for food. In addition, noise pollution causes some types of urban areas to stay away, which leads to a decrease in biodiversity.

noise pollution and marine animals

Noise pollution also has a significant impact on the marine wildlife, especially on whales, dolphins and other marine mammals, which are strongly dependent on acoustic signals for communication and orientation. Underwater noise, which is mainly generated by shipping, seismic explorations and military exercises, disturbs these acoustic signals and has serious effects on behavior, reproduction and even survival of these animals.

Effects of noise pollution on animals: a more detailed view

change in behavior and communication

Many animal species are dependent on their hearing to find food, to avoid and communicate predators. Excessive noise can disturb these vital functions. For example, birds that live in noise -related areas often change their singing, both in terms of pitch and timing. Unfortunately, this can lead to the fact that they are less successful in attracting partners or defending their territory less effectively.

Health effects and stress reaction

Noise pollution can also have serious health effects on animals. Permanent noise can lead to chronic stress, which can lead to a number of health problems, including increased susceptibility to diseases, reduced growth and shortened life span

impairment of reproduction

Noise can also affect the ability of the animals to reproduce. Studies on birds have shown that the success of the brood in areas with high noise pollution is often significantly reduced. In marine animals, noise can affect the ability to local navigation and to find mating partners.

conclusion and solutions

In view of the far -reaching effects of noise pollution on animals, it is obvious that measures urgently need to be taken to reduce the noise level in our environments. In this context, technological advances offer possible solutions, such as quieter machines and vehicles or noise dampening materials.

Another strategy could be to create "quiet zones" in which noise sources are strictly regulated, especially in areas that are of crucial importance for animal populations. Continuous research and surveillance are also of crucial importance in order to expand our understanding of the effects of noise pollution in different ways and to develop effective strategies to reduce these effects.