Listening to ecosystems: data‐rich acoustic monitoring through landscape‐scale sensor networks

Ecological Research, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 33(1), P. 135 - 147

Published: Nov. 6, 2017

Abstract Ecologists have many ways to measure and monitor ecosystems, each of which can reveal details about the processes unfolding therein. Acoustic recording combined with machine learning methods for species detection provide remote, automated monitoring richness relative abundance. Such recordings also open a window into how behave compete niche space in sensory environment. These opportunities are associated new challenges: volume velocity such data require approaches identification visualization. Here we introduce newly‐initiated acoustic network across subtropical island Okinawa, Japan, as part broader OKEON (Okinawa Environmental Observation Network) project. Our aim is environment Okinawa's ecosystems use these space–time better understand ecosystem dynamics. We present pilot study based on from five field sites conducted over one‐month period summer. results proof concept patterns biogenic vs. anthropogenic noise landscape. In particular, found correlations between forest land cover rates two culturally important soundscape: Okinawa Rail Ruddy Kingfisher. Among soundscape indices examined, NDSI, Diversity Bioacoustic Index showed both diurnal differences among sites. highlight potential utility remote practices that, combination other holistic picture biodiversity. intend this project an resource, wish extend invitation researchers interested scientific collaboration.

Language: Английский

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Cultural change in animals: a flexible behavioural adaptation to human disturbance

Palgrave Communications, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 5(1)

Published: June 18, 2019

Abstract In recent decades, researchers have increasingly documented the impact of anthropogenic activities on wild animals, particularly in relation to changes behaviour. However, whether human-induced behavioural wildlife may be considered evidence cultural evolution remains an open question. We explored responses different types human species already known display behaviour transmitted through social learning, non-human primates (NHPs), are suggestive wild. Results indicate that influence NHP repertoires includes modification and disappearance existing traits, as well invention novel traditions with potential become cultural. These examples found mostly domain food acquisition, where animals modify their diet include new resources, adopt foraging strategies avoid humans. summary, this paper suggests can act a catalyst for change both terms threatening fostering ones. The current situation echo environmental thought triggered major adaptations our own evolutionary history thus useful research evolution. As is exposed humans activities, understanding how animal patterns cultures impacted response factors growing conservation importance.

Language: Английский

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Urban sparrows respond to a sexually selected trait with increased aggression in noise

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 8(1)

Published: May 8, 2018

Animals modify acoustic communication signals in response to noise pollution, but consequences of these modifications are unknown. Vocalizations that transmit best may not be those signal male quality, leading potential conflict between selection pressures. For example, slow paced, narrow bandwidth songs better less effective mate choice and competition than fast wide songs. We test the hypothesis affects song pace context using white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys). measure variation along a gradient ambient levels San Francisco, CA. find males discriminate paced These findings biologically relevant because noisy areas tend have bandwidths. Therefore, this phenotype potentially increases transmission distance noise, elicits weaker responses from competitors. Further, we respond more strongly stimuli noisier conditions, supporting 'urban anger' hypothesis. suggest responsiveness song, possibly territorial urban areas.

Language: Английский

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Using the Past to Understand the Present: Coping with Natural and Anthropogenic Noise

BioScience, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 71(3), P. 223 - 234

Published: Dec. 9, 2020

ABSTRACT Anthropogenic noise has received significant attention in recent years, and researchers have highlighted the ways which animals might deal with these sources. However, much of our understanding animal responses to this novel source background acoustics lacks an evolutionary perspective. Natural sources predate origin hearing organs animals. Therefore, it is unlikely that only recently evolved strategies cope anthropogenic de novo but, rather, already preexisting coping mechanisms, because countless generations evolution within a naturally noisy world, on contemporary selection now likely acting. We review natural suggest more quantitative mechanistic how particular characteristics shaped populations communities past, enabling us predict effects will future.

Language: Английский

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Anthropogenic noise in US national parks – sources and spatial extent

Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 17(10), P. 559 - 564

Published: Oct. 2, 2019

In an era of unprecedented environmental change, US national parks are refuges natural ecosystems and facilitate connections between humans nature. However, anthropogenic noise is increasingly pervasive threat in these parks. To diagnose levels sources, we analyzed thousands hours acoustic recordings collected across park units summarized results from continental‐scale sound models. We found that was audible 37% recordings, with high road density those close proximity to large airports experienced a greater number events. The most common sources were aircraft vehicles, but, when present, trains watercraft generated the loudest levels. Sound models show caused tenfold increase median 36% parks, loud areas often localized. Our analysis identifies situations where management would yield greatest benefits visitors wildlife.

Language: Английский

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The relationship between the Acoustic Complexity Index and avian species richness and diversity: a review

Bioacoustics, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 31(5), P. 614 - 627

Published: Dec. 21, 2021

Technologies to monitor species are constantly evolving including the use of acoustic recordings determine presence, activity patterns and population dynamics. The Acoustic Complexity Index (ACI) aims ecologically relevant changes in soundscape by measuring variability within biotic sounds whilst remaining insensitive anthrophony. Previous findings relating this index its correlations with avian richness diversity, environmental anthropogenic factors were amalgamated review guide future monitoring technique. A total 25 papers returned following a literature search June 2020 targeting studies which these relationships analysed. Current shows inconclusive between ACI diversity. Also, those analysing index, provided contrasting results due lack replication studies. implementation standardised approach towards data collection should lead more compelling conclusions. Relationships environment be evaluated on an individual site basis influence composition has environment. Further study is required relationship factors, assemblages.

Language: Английский

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Natural and anthropogenic noise increase vigilance and decrease foraging behaviors in song sparrows

Behavioral Ecology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 33(1), P. 288 - 297

Published: Nov. 30, 2021

Abstract Animals glean information about risk from their habitat. The acoustic environment is one such source of information, and an important, yet understudied ecological axis. Although anthropogenic noise has become recently ubiquitous, mitigation behaviors have likely been shaped by natural over millennia. Listening animals shown to increase vigilance decrease foraging in both noise. However, direct comparisons could be informative conservation understanding evolutionary drivers behavior Here, we used 27 song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) 148 laboratory behavioral trials assess sources. Using five environments (playbacks roadway traffic, a whitewater river, river shifted upwards frequency, with the amplitude modulation ambient control), attempt parse out characteristics that make habitat risky. We found increased or decreased 4 6 when higher sound levels regardless variation frequency modulation. These responses may help explain previously reported declines abundance exposed playback intense Our results imply soundscapes long before noise, high negatively affect foraging-vigilance trade-off most environments. Given ever-increasing footprint pollution, these potential negative consequences for bird populations.

Language: Английский

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Urban birdsongs: higher minimum song frequency of an urban colonist persists in a common garden experiment

Animal Behaviour, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 170, P. 33 - 41

Published: Nov. 2, 2020

Language: Английский

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How urbanization affects sexual communication

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 11(24), P. 17625 - 17650

Published: Dec. 1, 2021

Abstract Urbanization is rapidly altering landscapes worldwide, changing environmental conditions, and creating novel selection pressures for many organisms. Local conditions affect the expression evolution of sexual signals mating behaviors; changes in such traits have important evolutionary consequences because their effect on reproduction. In this review, we synthesize research investigating how communication affected by associated with urbanization—including pollution from noise, light, heavy metals, habitat fragmentation, impervious surfaces, urban heat islands, resources predation. often has negative effects through signal masking, condition‐dependent expression, weakening female preferences. Though there are documented instances seemingly adaptive shifts trait ultimate impact fitness rarely tested. The field still relatively young, most work tested whether differences occur response to various aspects urbanization. There limited information available about these responses represent phenotypic plasticity or genetic changes, extent which observed reproductive fitness. Our understanding operates novel, urbanized environments would be bolstered more studies that perform common garden reciprocal transplants, simultaneously evaluate multiple factors tease out causal drivers shifts. provides a unique testing ground biologists study interplay between ecology selection, suggest researchers take advantage natural experiments. Furthermore, systems differ cities rural areas can offer insights mitigate negative, accentuate positive, expansion biota, provide new opportunities underscore relevance biology Anthropocene.

Language: Английский

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Natural noise affects conspecific signal detection and territorial defense behaviors in songbirds

Behavioral Ecology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 32(5), P. 993 - 1003

Published: May 25, 2021

Abstract Recent research suggests that anthropogenic noise can substantially alter animal behavior. Although there are many sources of natural background noise, the relative influence these sounds on behavior has received much less attention. Using landscape-scale playbacks rushing rivers and crashing ocean surf, we investigated how habitat appropriate alters territorial defense behaviors in lazuli buntings (Passerina amoena) occupying riparian areas spotted towhees (Pipilo maculatus) coastal when exposed to simulated intruder song. We also incorporated naturally occurring cicada as an acoustic source influencing bunting Both songbird species possess songs share substantial spectral overlap with low-frequency, water-generated song shares additional high-frequency calls. Thus, is potential for conditions mask conspecific signals. found detection discrimination playback occurred more slowly both sound levels increased. Lazuli exhibited complex flight suggesting they respond differently depending amplitude type (with versus without calls). Our results suggest impair songbirds, highlighting soundscapes under-appreciated axis environment.

Language: Английский

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