Ecosystem services enhanced through soundscape management link people and wildlife

People and Nature

article

Mitchell J. Levenhagen¹  Zachary D. Miller²  Alissa R. Petrelli³  Lauren A. Ferguson²  Yau-Huo (Jimmy) Shr²  Dylan G. E. Gomes¹  Brendan D. Taff²  Crow White³  Kurt Fristrup⁴  Christopher Monz⁵  Christopher J. W. McClure¹  Peter Newman²  Clinton D. Francis³  Jesse R. Barber¹ 

[1] Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University;Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management, Penn State University, University Park;Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University;Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, National Park Service;Department of Environment and Society, Utah State University;The Peregrine Fund

关键词: anthropogenic noise;    coupled human and natural system;    protected areas;    psychological ecosystem services;    soundscape mitigation;   

DOI  :  10.1002/pan3.10156

学科分类：护理学

来源: Wiley

【 摘 要 】

Burgeoning urbanization, development and human activities have led to reduced opportunities for nature experience in quiet acoustic environments. Increasing noise affects both humans and wildlife alike. We experimentally altered human-caused sound levels in a paired study using informational signs that encouraged quiet behaviours in week-on, week-off blocks on the trail system of Muir Woods National Monument, California, USA to test if the soundscape influences both wildlife and human experiences. Using continuous measurements from acoustic recording units ( n  = 13) spatially distributed within the park, we found signs significantly lowered sound levels by approximately 1.2 decibels (A-weighted), thereby increasing listening area by 24% and bird availability by approximately 5.8% for every 1 decibel decrease. Visitor-intercept surveys ( n  = 537) revealed that our mitigation increased the number of birds perceived by visitors, rankings of soundscape pleasantness, and importantly, preferences for soundscape management. By lowering human-caused sound levels, we created an acoustic environment equivalent to a ~21% reduction in visitors. The positive feedback cycle we describe may lead to increased conservation support in a time when the extinction of nature experience looms. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

【 授权许可】

CC BY