Work

Noise Pollution and Urban Birds Breeding in the Center of the Iberian Peninsula: Effects on Diversity and Abundance

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In an increasingly urbanized world, biodiversity, and more specifically, birdlife located in urbanized ecosystems, faces several threats. Among these, noise pollution has proven to be one of the most significant, as it affects the effectiveness and efficiency of acoustic communication. We studied the relationship between noise and the diversity and abundance of birds breeding in urban areas in the central region of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain). We analyzed how species diversity and density varied across three levels of noise pollution (high, medium, and low). Species diversity decreased in areas with high noise pollution as compared to sites with medium and low levels of noise. We analyzed the density of the most frequent species found within each category. We identified eight additional noise-tolerant species whose density had significantly increased in environments with high levels of noise (e.g., Blackbird, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, and the Coal Tit). The ten most sensitive species, such as the Common Linnet, House Sparrow, and the European Greenfinch, had significantly decreased densities when the level of noise increased. Identifying the sensitivity (the effect) of urban bird species to acoustic pollution is vital for effective conservation management measures and for the sustainable planning and management of cities.

Source: Diversity

DOI: 10.3390/d17050338

Authors: Paula Almarza-Batuecas, Moisés Pescador

Institution: Universidad de Salamanca

Language: English

Topic: Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior

Subfield: Developmental Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534