Noise pollution not only affects human beings, but if a new study is to be believed, it also hampers communication between species.
According to a new study conducted by researchers at the Bristol University, man-made noise acts as a barrier to warning signals, which animals can ascertain even from other species.
The study suggests that due to this hindrance, animals become more susceptible to attacks from predators.
Animals apparently have the tendency to eavesdrop on the calls of danger from other species. In fact, they are even able to understand distress calls from other species, which is effective in them garnering information on predators that are lurking in the area.
The Experiments
According to field-based experiments used in South Africa by the researchers, traffic noises decreases the chance of dwarf mongooses being able to respond to the danger signals conveyed by tree squirrels.
Amy Morris-Drake, the lead author of the study, revealed that in case of a lack of response from any of the species, the escape response or the cautionary alarm could get affected. The primary reason for this could be the noise and the commotion.
Any noisy situation would act as an impediment to the vocalizations of the tree squirrels and make it very difficult for the dwarf mongooses to assimilate appropriate information.
For the purpose of the study, the team observed the behaviorial patterns of the wild dwarf mongooses for a long period. These creatures were so acquainted with the presence of the researchers, that they were easily able to sense their presence, even in the space of a few feet.
Professor Andy Radford, who was also part of the research, shares that the noise which emanates from airports and traffic not just impacts humans, but animals as well.
Various other species like birds, fishes, mammals, and amphibians are affected in many ways by such man-made noises.
Morris-Drake echoed the sentiment. She emphasized on the importance of the entire communication network among species, while evaluating the impacts of noise pollution.
"Our study indicates the importance of considering the whole information network of a species when assessing impacts of noise pollution. By interfering with information-transfer between different species, as well as within the same species, man-made noise is likely to be a more extensive issue than previously thought," she surmised.
With man-made noises impacting species to a large extent and putting their lives at risk, hopefully humans will take steps to control noise pollution that can be detrimental for animals.
