1. Report No.FHWA-HEP-06-016 |
2. Government Accession No. |
3. Recipient's Catalog No. |
4. Title and Subtitle
Synthesis of Noise Effects on Wildlife Populations |
5. Report Date
September 8, 2004 |
6. Performing Organization Code: |
7. Author(s)
Paul A. Kaseloo and Katherine O. Tyson |
8. Performing Organization Report No.
Final |
9. Performing Organization Name and Address
Department of Biology,
Virginia State University,
P.O. Box 9064
Petersburg, VA 23806 |
10. Work Unit No. |
11. Contract or Grant No.
DTFH61-03-H-00123 |
12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address
Office of Research and Technology Services Federal Highway Administration
6300 Georgetown Pike
McLean, VA 22101-2296 |
13. Type of Report and Period Covered
Guidelines Research |
14. Sponsoring Agency Code |
15. Supplementary Notes |
16. Abstract
This report contains a summary of ongoing work on the effects of noise on wildlife populations. There is a paucity of information on the response of invertebrates to noise, particularly the levels likely to be encountered along roads. Significant populations of some species are found along rights-of-way, although others such as aquatic forms may be adversely affected whether by the road itself or by noise is unclear. Existing information (although incomplete) would suggest that fish are unlikely to be adversely affected by noise levels from road. Reptiles and amphibians show some barrier effect due to roads, but there is no clear evidence of a noise effect alone. Recent work has suggested that behavior in burrowing toads may be affected by noise and this will require further study. Birds have received the most study and in some cases are negatively affected both in numbers and in breeding by the proximity to roads. In other cases the effect is the opposite and there are reports of many species using roadside habitat in some areas. Large mammals may be repelled by noise, although in most cases the effect appears to be slight to moderate. Small mammals do not appear to be adversely affected by road noise occurring in significant numbers in rights-of-way. There appears to be a physical barrier effect of roads for many mammals. Recommendations for future study are included. |
17. Key Words
Noise, noise pollution, wildlife, roads , animal, fish, reptile, amphibian, bird, mammal, urban noise |
18. Distribution Statement
No restrictions. This document is available to the public through the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161. |
19. Security Classif. (of this report)
Unclassified |
20. Security Classif. (of this page)Unclassified |
21. No. of Pages
67 |
22. Price |
Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized |
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