Serious consequences

Wild animal communication suffers from noise

Noise is a stress factor that has a negative impact on the immune system, which can lead to a decline in populations.(Bild: Curtis Patterson - stock.adobe.c)

The world is getting louder, and the acoustic communication of wild animals is suffering as a result. They "overhear" enemies, have increased stress levels and problems finding food, which can also lead to a decline in populations.

The noise of airplanes, construction activities or deep-sea drilling is not just a problem for us humans. 

Noise is a stress factor that has a negative impact on the immune system, which can lead to a decline in populations.(Bild: Curtis Patterson - stock.adobe.c)

"Quiet places have become rare"
 "We must not forget that sound is the most universal means of communication in the animal kingdom - from insects to fish and birds. However, it has become difficult to find quiet places in this world," says biologist Angela Stöger from the Institute for Sound Research at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW).

Noise disrupts communication
Acoustic pollution increases the heart rate of animals and can result in behavioral changes, hearing damage, flight and displacement. Noise also disrupts communication between individuals within a species and between species.

Animals change their communication frequency
It has been found, for example, that some bird species sing up to 14 decibels louder in urban environments. "That is a much higher energy expenditure for a small bird's body," said Stöger. Some animals also change the frequency at which they communicate.

In general, noise is a certain stress factor that has a negative effect on the immune system, "which can actually lead to a decline in populations". Animals that are startled out of hibernation and have to operate on the back burner often do not survive. Even "overheard" alarm calls from conspecifics could naturally have negative consequences.

Marine animals particularly affected
Marine animals, such as whales or dolphins, but also fish, are particularly affected because sound travels far in the water due to the density of the medium. They are heavily reliant on acoustic communication due to limited visibility. In addition to orientation, permanent ship noise and oil drilling would also have a negative impact on mate search and mate selection.

She advocates greater consideration on the part of humans, such as not penetrating so deeply into the habitats of wild animals or refraining from using fireworks.