The Soundscapes of Lakes across an Urbanization Gradient

Abstract

Background/MethodologyA significant implication of increasing urbanization is anthropogenic noise pollution. Although noise is strongly associated with disruption of animal communication systems and negative health effects for humans, the study of these consequences at ecologically relevant spatial and temporal scales (termed soundscape ecology) is in early stages of application. In this study, we examined the above- and below-water soundscape of recreational and residential lakes in the region surrounding a large metropolitan area. Using univariate and multivariate approaches we test the importance of large- and local-scale landscape factors in driving acoustic characteristics across an urbanization gradient, and visualize changes in the soundscape over space and time.Principal FindingsAnthropogenic noise (anthrophony) was strongly predicted by a landcover-based metric of urbanization (within a 10 km radius), with presence of a public park as a secondary influence; this urbanization signal was apparent even in below-water recordings. The percent of hourly measurements exceeding noise thresholds associated with outdoor disturbance was 67%, 17%, and 0%, respectively, for lakes characterized as High, Medium, and Low urbanization. Decreased biophony (proportion of natural sounds) was associated with presence of a public park followed by increased urbanization; time of day was also a significant predictor of biophony. Local-scale (shoreline) residential development was not related to changes in anthrophony or biophony. The patterns we identify are illustrated with a multivariate approach which allows use of entire sound samples and facilitates interpretation of changes in a soundscape.Conclusions/SignificanceAs highly valued residential and recreation areas, lakes represent everyday soundscapes important to both humans and wildlife. Our findings that many of these areas, particularly those with public parks, routinely experience sound types and levels associated with disturbance, suggests that urban planners need to account for the effect of increasing development on soundscapes to avoid compromising goals for ecological and human health.

Dynamics of soundscape in a shallow water marine environment: A study of the habitat of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin

“…The location comparisons were made between WS and YL. This analysis is similar to that used by Kuehne et al (2013) in their research on lake soundscape analysis across an urban gradient in Washington State.…”

Comparisons Between Autonomous Acoustic Recordings and Avian Point Counts in Open Woodland Savanna

“…Soundscape ecology is sometimes focused on variation in biophony (i.e. the spectral, temporal, and spatial structure of biological sounds) in relation to large-scale environmental changes such as habitat alteration, climate change, introduction of toxins, and spread of invasive species (Qi et al 2008, Sueur et al 2008b, Joo et al 2011, Pijanowski et al 2011b, Kuehne et al 2013, Tucker et al 2014, Krause and Farina 2016.…”

Connecting soundscape to landscape: Which acoustic index best describes landscape configuration?

“…Furthermore, recent studies in urban environments have highlighted the importance of land use planning regarding the evaluation of the soundscape using a landscape perspective (Kuehne et al, 2013;Votsi et al, 2012). However, while a range of studies have recorded and analyzed acoustic signals produced by birds, insects and other audible organisms to assess the effects of disturbance on biodiversity (Blumstein et al, 2011;Depraetere et al, 2012;Laiolo, 2010;Proppe et al, 2013;Sueur et al, 2008b), a lack of standardized methods to evaluate landscape characteristics has probably inhibited research on linking soundscape with landscape configuration.…”