Meta-analysis of 214 studies: noise altered at least one trait in 80% of 177 species

A meta-analysis in Science covering 177 aquatic and terrestrial species found noise-linked declines in fitness and abundance and disrupted predator-prey interactions.

Researchers published in Science a phylogenetically controlled meta-analysis of 214 experimental studies on anthropogenic noise. The studies covered 177 aquatic and terrestrial species with ranges across six continents science.org.

Noise altered at least one physiological, developmental or behavioral trait in 80% of the species studied. The analysis also found declines in fitness and abundance and disruptions of predator-prey interactions.

Effects were recorded in every habitat. Response mechanisms differed for some traits and species, which produced winners and losers, the authors report.

The authors conclude that noise acts as a new selection pressure on ecosystems and as a widespread stressor, and that soundscape protection is needed alongside habitat conservation. They note that only multispecies analyses can reveal such species- and ecosystem-level impacts science.org.