Impacts of anthropogenic sounds on bird call activities: A case study in Aachen, Germany

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Margret Engel - , University of Salford (Author)
  • Amy E. Leedale - , University of Salford (Author)
  • Robert J. Young - , University of Salford (Author)
  • William J. Davies - , University of Salford (Author)
  • Michael D. Wood - , University of Salford (Author)

Abstract

Since the definition of the Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC, various tools, reports, and action plans have been developed to assess and improve the sonic environment according to human perception and well-being. Few methodologies and reports consider the measurement of the impacts of anthropogenic sounds on wildlife at a European level. Noise pollution can impact communication, species richness, reproductive success, population size and distribution of wildlife. This study aims to analyse the impacts of anthropogenic sounds on birds in three parks and one public garden with different sizes and functionalities in Aachen, Germany. The data collection happened between 2015 and 2016 through soundwalks and sampled 192 omnidirectional recordings. The analyses of impacts consider: 1) acoustic, bioacoustic and psychoacoustic characterisation of the sonic environments; 2) birds call detection and characterisation using BirdNET, type of vocalisation and richness estimations at each location; 3) dominance of anthropogenic sounds in the sampled recordings; 4) assessment of the sound thresholds for humans, as well as the quality of the Quietness Suitability Index (QSI) for quiet areas (EEA, 2014), are considered. The results show an attempt to assess anthropogenic noise impacts on urban wildlife, aiming for a healthy urban sonic environment for humans and wildlife.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication10th Convention of the European Acoustics Association - Forum Acusticum
EditorsArianna Astolfi, Francesco Asdrubali, Louena Shtrepi
Place of PublicationTorino, Italy
ISBN (electronic)978-88-88942-67-4
Publication statusPublished - 11 Sept 2023
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes