Man-Made Noise Can Affect How Animals Use Information From Scents
Using field-based experimental trials on dwarf mongooses in South Africa, the researchers combined sound recordings and faecal samples to demonstrate that road-noise playback negatively affected the mongooses’ ability to detect predator faeces. Even after detection, the additional noise led to less information gathering and less vigilance, making the mongooses more vulnerable to danger.
Professor Andy Radford from the School of Biological Sciences said: “We’ve known for a long time that noise from urbanisation, traffic and airports can detrimentally affect humans by causing stress, sleep deprivation, cardiac problems and slower learning. What’s becoming increasingly clear is that a lot of other species – mammals, birds, fish, insects and amphibians – are also impacted in all sorts of ways by anthropogenic, or man-made, noise.”
Two dwarf mongooses who took part in the experiment
The Bristol team’s experiment used groups of wild dwarf mongooses that were so familiar with the researchers’ close presence that they could walk within a few feet of them. Co-author Dr Julie Kern adds: “This habituation allows us to conduct ecologically relevant experiments in the mongooses’ natural habitat while collecting incredibly detailed and accurate information.”
Closely monitoring the mongooses, the team found that their adaptive responses to predatory cues, such as increased inspection of the cue, vigilance scanning for danger and more time spent near the safety of the burrow, were all disrupted by road-traffic noise.
Morris-Drake said: “While lots of work on the impacts of man-made noise has shown effects on animal vocalisations, movement patterns and foraging, it is often difficult to determine what that might mean for survival or reproductive success. By looking at responses to cues about a predator’s presence, there is a direct link to survival; making the wrong decision can result in death.”
Professor Radford concluded: “Our study suggests that noise pollution can have a negative effect in terms of information use – in this case the impact on responses to smell, a very common information source in mammals. Given the demonstrated effects, considering the interactions among multiple sensory channels is critically important if we are to understand fully the consequences of human-induced environmental change.”
Contacts and sources:
‘Cross-modal impacts of anthropogenic noise on information use’ by Amy Morris-Drake, Julie M. Kern and Andrew N. Radford in Current Biology.
Source: http://www.ineffableisland.com/2016/11/man-made-noise-can-affect-how-animals.html
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,706,339,535 |
| Stories: | 8,445,261 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
