Anthropogenic noise pollution from traffic, shipping, industry, and sonar affects wildlife communication, reproduction, foraging success, and stress physiology across diverse species.
Noise pollution welfare impacts operate through multiple pathways: direct auditory damage at high intensity, chronic stress from sustained elevated noise levels, and indirect effects through disrupted communication and foraging. Animals cannot easily adapt to rapidly increasing anthropogenic noise. Whales and dolphins using acoustic communication for feeding, navigation, and social bonding are particularly vulnerable to underwater noise. Regulatory approaches including shipping speed restrictions in whale habitats, sonar use restrictions, and urban noise limits in wildlife-rich areas can reduce welfare impacts.