Anthropogenic noise: potential influences on wildlife and applications to cannabis cultivation

Abstract

Biological sounds play an important role in activities ranging from territory defense to mate choice to predator avoidance to foraging. Anthropogenic noise can mask these sounds, potentially altering the habitat selection, activity patterns, phenology, and physiology of wildlife species. For example, cannabis (Cannabis sativa or C. indica) cultivation may increase levels of anthropogenic noise given the use of diesel generators, irrigation pumps, and landscaping equipment. To predict how noises associated with cannabis cultivation may influence wildlife in California, we review scientific literature assessing the influences of anthropogenic noise on various species of mammals, birds, herpetofauna, and invertebrates. We then outline potential noises associated with cannabis cultivation and why they may be unique on the landscape and provide recommendations on future research needs.

Keywords

• activity patterns
• anthropogenic noise
• cannabis
• habitat selection
• phenology
• physiology
• wildlife