The effect of changing soundscapes on trophic interactions

Predator-prey interactions are a crucial part of functioning ecosystems, and carnivores can structure ecosystems by affecting species at lower trophic levels (Suraci et al. 2016). Independent of the direct killing of prey, the presence of predators alone can create a "landscape of fear" affecting species at multiple lower trophic levels. The perceived predation risk that the presence of predators causes in other animals is an important ecosystem service critical to conserving biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (Smith et al. 2017).

However, in many ecosystems large carnivores have often been replaced by a "super predator", i.e. humans, which create a "landscape of fear" for carnivores. Often humans elicit this fear by activities emitting anthropogenic noise into the soundscapes of ecosystems. Thus, anthropogenic noise can create a "landscape of fear" for predators, which may change affect trophic interactions.

The aim of the project is to quantify how changes in the landscape of fear triggered by anthropogenic noise affects individuals and trophic interactions. We will use systematic reviews and field experiments to quantify how the presence of human affects species on different tropic level. The work will include: (1) two phylogenetically controlled meta-analyses one to assess the relationship between changes in the landscape of fear and ecosystem interactions, and another to quantify the effects of anthropogenic noise on predator-prey interactions. (2) the designing and carrying out field experiments simulating the absence/presence of humans to establish how the presence of a super predator affects species on different trophic levels, i.e. red squirrels, grey squirrels, pine marten, and fox). (3) work with our CASE partner the Ulster Wildlife Trust to monitor animal populations, and engagement to translate the findings into evidence-based policy communications.