The effect of roadway traffic noise on territory selection by Golden‐cheeked Warblers.

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. Seventy‐eight 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 29.7–58.6 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.