Environmental Impact - Sound

Brattstrom, B. H. & BondeUo, M.C. (1983). Effects of off-road vehicle noise on desert vertebrates.

Abstract

This report contains experimental data from three separate laboratory studies conducted to determine the impact of ORV sounds on desert vertebrates. Three classes of terrestrial desert vertebrates; amphibians, reptiles, and mammals were investigated with respect to sound impacts. Couch's spade foot Toads, Mojave Fringe-Toed Lizards, and Desert Kangaroo Rats all suffered deleterious effects from moderate exposures to ORV sounds. These effects included both physiological and behavioral hearing loss, and misinterpretation of important environmental acoustical signals Potential impacts of ORV sounds on the well-being of natural populations of desert vertebrates are indicated and the implications of these findings to the BLM are discussed. Recommendations which seek to reduce detrimental impacts of ORVs on habitats and wildlife of the California desert are suggested.

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