Noise pollution is causing potentially huge problems for wildlife around the world.
The largest analysis ever carried out on the impact of man-made sounds reveals damage to several ecosystems.
Scientists have long known that noise from human activities—from the roar of jet engines to the whir of ship propellers—can harm animals, stunting their growth and even decomposing their eggs. But it was unclear how widespread the problem was.
A comprehensive analysis published today in the journal Science reveals that the impacts are much more widespread than even researchers imagined. Data from 177 terrestrial and aquatic species show that the vast majority are affected by sound in some way, fundamentally altering their biology and behavior, and causing the premature death of many of them.
“Everywhere we are, we introduce noise,” says neuroecologist Lucille Chapuis of La Trobe University, who was not involved in the study. “Just look at almost any species; noise will have some effect.”