Disentangling Effects of Noise from Presence of Anthropogenic Infrastructure: Design and Testing of System for Large-Scale Playback Experiments

摘要

Anthropogenic noise may be detrimental to many bird species, and manipulative experiments would help us understand these effects. We present the design and validation of a self-sustaining solar-powered broadcasting system that will allow researchers to disentangle acute or chronic effects ofnoise from effects ofthe presence ofinfrastructure, even in remote areas. We tested the broadcasting system using a case study on noise from oil well infrastructure in southern Alberta, Canada. Recordings from 2 types ofoil wells were obtained and then broadcasted through 6 independent playback units continuously for a period of 3 months in 2013, at sites undisturbed by oil development. Sound measurements at real oil wells and at sites with broadcasting systems simulating the noise from these oil wells demonstrated that real and projected noise had very similar sound pressure levels, attenuation trends, and spectral composition. Throughout this long-term playback experiment, the system produced power and noise reliably and consistently. In conjunction with bird surveys, this experimental design and infrastructure can be used to allow researchers to dissociate the presence ofanthropogenic development from associated noise, providing us with information that willhelp decrease the environmental impacts of human activities.