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Individual differences show that only some bats can cope with noise-induced masking and distraction

Authors :
Holger R. Goerlitz
Dylan G. E. Gomes
Source :
PeerJ
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 2020.

Abstract

Anthropogenic noise is a widespread pollutant that has received considerable recent attention. While alarming effects on wildlife have been documented, we have limited understanding of the perceptual mechanisms of noise disturbance, which are required to understand potential mitigation measures. Likewise, individual differences in response to noise (especially via perceptual mechanisms) are likely widespread, but lacking in empirical data. Here we use the echolocating batPhyllostomus discolor, a trained discrimination task, and experimental noise playback to explicitly test perceptual mechanisms of noise disturbance. We demonstrate high individual variability in response to noise treatments and evidence for multiple perceptual mechanisms. Additionally, we highlight that only some individuals were able to cope with noise, while others were not. We tested for changes in echolocation call duration, amplitude, and peak frequency as possible ways of coping with noise. Although all bats strongly increased call amplitude and showed additional minor changes in call duration and frequency, these changes could not explain the differences in coping and non-coping individuals. Our understanding of noise disturbance needs to become more mechanistic and individualistic as research knowledge is transformed into policy changes and conservation action.

Details

Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
PeerJ
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....1fe164ce8ebab675e83eb9dca30875e2
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.07.04.188086