Assessing Acoustic Pollution on Terrestrial Wildlife – what a guidance document could look like

Abstract 

Anthropogenic noise is a pervasive environmental stressor with well‑documented adverse effects on human health; its significance arises less from the severity of individual events and more from its ubiquity and cumulative burden. Research shows that noise can adversely impact animals; therefore, it stands to reason that terrestrial wildlife may likewise experience wide‑scale, population‑level consequences from sound and vibration.

If anthropogenic acoustic pollution is undermining biodiversity objectives, understanding the mechanisms linking acoustics and ecological outcomes is essential. However, intuition can be misleading. Other terrestrial animals perceive the world very differently to us. Therefore, it is necessary to step back and take a reasoned approach. Beyond audible noise, ultrasonic frequencies, acoustic particle velocity and substrate vibration form a collective suite of “acoustic pollution” that may, or may not, adversely impact wildlife, depending on the situation.

Forming criteria for, and assessing, acoustic pollution to terrestrial wildlife are dauntingly boundless tasks. The UK supports thousands of terrestrial species. Therefore, in the presence of an already lengthy planning process, this needs to be proportionate.  

While acousticians can measure and model sound/vibration, only ecologists can interpret the impacts in context. This presentation outlines a pragmatic framework for “Assessing Acoustic Pollution on Terrestrial Wildlife” that aims to show how a balance can be struck between robust assumptions and feasibility in the planning system. It is intended to provoke discussion and catalyse cross‑disciplinary collaboration toward operational guidance for policy and practice.

Bio

Adam Scott leads the Southwest Acoustic Team at Hoare Lea. Throughout his 15 years working as an acoustic consultant, Adam has repeatedly been asked to assess the potential impacts of anthropogenic noise on terrestrial animals. However, after observing that the requests to do so are haphazard and subject to the whims of individuals, he gained an interest in bringing more objectivity to the subject.  

Registration

This event is free for IOA members and the public, but registration is required. To sign up, visit:

https://www.cpdtag.com/app.php?event=0044A876D0DF667D18854713E0F580D