Human-made noise disrupts wildlife and raises mortality

Human-generated noise alters animals’ behaviour and can shorten their lives, a review of more than 200 studies has found, ERR reported. Researchers at the University of Belfast examined nearly 200 land and aquatic species across almost all regions of the world, finding that noise pollution affected at least one vital characteristic in 80% of the animals studied.

Noise can affect gene expression, disrupt immune function and interfere with organ development. Its most immediate impact is often on feeding. Bats, which rely on their acute hearing to hunt, catch about a quarter less prey in noisy environments. Background noise masks the faint sounds made by moths, forcing bats to fly longer to find enough food.

Noise can also be deadly. Across the data, species abundance fell by about 40% in noisy areas, while mortality rose by nearly 140%. One extreme example involves fossil fuel exploration: powerful air guns used to locate offshore oil deposits create sound waves strong enough to rupture the swim bladders of nearby fish.

The research team hopes the findings will help policymakers strengthen regulations to reduce harmful environmental noise. One possible measure is to establish quiet zones on land and in bodies of water. The review was published in the journal Science.