Terrestrial Megafauna Response to Drone Noise Levels in Ex Situ
AreasGeison Pires Mesquita, Margarita Mulero-Pázmány, Serge A. Wich & José
Domingo Rodríguez-TeijeiroDronesOctober 30, 2022Abstract
Drone use has significantly grown in recent years, and there is a knowledge
gap on how the noise produced by these systems may affect animals. We
investigated how 18 species of megafauna reacted to drone sound pressure
levels at different frequencies. The sound pressure level on the low
frequency generated by the drone did not change the studied species’
behavior, except for the Asian elephant. All other studied species showed
higher noise sensitivity at medium and high frequencies. The Asian elephant
was the most sensitive species to drone noise, mainly at low frequencies.
Felines supported the highest sound pressure level before showing
behavioral reactions. Our results suggest that drone sound pressure levels
in different frequencies cause behavioral changes that differ among
species, which is relevant to assessing drone disturbances in ex situ
environments. The findings presented here can help to reduce drone impact
for target species and serve as an experimental study for future drone use
guidelines.
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PAPER WEB LINKhttps://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/6/11/333
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