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Publication Date

12-1-1995

Abstract

Widespread concern that environmental noise produced by humans can negatively affect animal populations is reflected in a growing body of literature. This study evaluates the possible effects of roadway traffic noise on territory selection by the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler. Seventyeight listening posts were established randomly in a 212 ha study area in central Texas. Noise exposure at each post was estimated using a noise simulation model based on traffic counts. The presence or absence of warblers at each post was determined by field observations. Data were analyzed to determine if a correlation existed between the estimated noise exposure and the occurrence of warblers at a listening post. Exposure in Leq(h) ranged from 29.7 dB to 58.6 dB. Warblers were detected at 30 of the 78 listening posts. When the 78 posts were divided into high-noise and low-noise groups, there was no significant difference between the occurrence of warblers in the groups. Logistic regression failed to reveal a significant correlation between the occurrence of warblers at listening posts and the exposure to noise. It is concluded that, within the range of noise exposures considered in this study, Golden-cheeked Warblers do not select territories based on exposure to roadway traffic noise.

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