Urban environments, also known as concrete jungles, are the most rapidly growing type of environment of the current time. They force not only the landscape, but also its inhabitants, to adapt to the completely different rules that come with living in a human-made and human-populated area. The involvement of humans has historically been a very... Continue Reading →
Navigating towards a quieter urban environment: mitigating the threat of traffic noise
In today’s urban environment, the constant presence of traffic noise is undeniable, infiltrating even the most hidden corners of the woods. Previous studies have shown that this anthropogenic noise negatively affects the welfare of both humans and other species. The fact that even unborn organisms experience negative effects is a worrying development, emphasizing the urgent... Continue Reading →
Moving to the Music: Hedgehog Behavior Changes in Response to Music Festival
We often think about how the construction of new buildings, parking lots, and industrial areas will impact the local wildlife. And, indeed, governments require environmental impact surveys and ongoing monitoring when vulnerable species are present. However, it wasn't until I saw the paper "Music Festival Makes Hedgehogs Move: How Individuals Cope Behaviorally in Response to... Continue Reading →
Urban Observation of the Week: Australian Magpie
Wildfires have been devastating southeastern Australia, and along with these fires comes an increase in anthropogenic noise as firetrucks race to the scene. Gregory Andrews spotted this Australian Magpie in Newcastle, New South Whales mimicking the sound of a fire truck. https://twitter.com/isobelroe/status/1212500562102505472?s=20 Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing something... Continue Reading →