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Traffic noise reduces foraging efficiency in wild owls
Masayuki Senzaki1, Yuichi Yamaura2, Clinton D Francis3
1Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita 9, Nishi 9, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan.
Scientific Reports
|August 19, 2016
Summary
Anthropogenic noise pollution negatively impacts wild owls' ability to find prey. This study shows traffic noise significantly reduces foraging efficiency in natural environments.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Bioacoustics
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Global increase in anthropogenic noise.
- Laboratory studies indicate noise disrupts foraging behavior.
- Need for field studies on noise impacts on wild animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of traffic noise on wild owls' prey detection.
- To quantify the impact of noise on foraging efficiency in a natural setting.
Main Methods:
- Field experiments were conducted to assess owl foraging behavior.
- The study examined the relationship between traffic noise levels and prey detection.
- Impact distance of traffic noise on prey detection was estimated.
Main Results:
- Foraging efficiency in owls declines with increasing traffic noise levels.
- Acoustic masking, distraction, and aversion to noise contribute to reduced efficiency.
- Traffic noise impacts on prey detection extend beyond 120m from roads.
Conclusions:
- Provides the first evidence of noise reducing foraging efficiency in wild animals.
- Highlights the pervasive and significant impacts of anthropogenic noise on wildlife.
- Suggests noise pollution may have broader ecological consequences than previously understood.
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