Science Weekly
Soundscape ecology: a window into a disappearing world
Apr 16, 2024
Guardian biodiversity reporter Phoebe Weston discusses the decline of the marsh tit population with ecologist Richard Broughton in Cambridgeshire, highlighting the importance of bioacoustics. Bernie Krause advocates listening to nature to understand our impact on the planet, showcasing the disappearing soundscape of a park near San Francisco.
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Quick takeaways
- Loss of habitats leads to decline in bird populations like marshtits.
- Soundscape conservation provides valuable insights on ecosystem health and biodiversity changes.
Deep dives
Declining Marshtit Population in Monks Wood
Richard Broughton, an expert in marshtits, notes a significant decline in the marshtit population at Monks Wood over the past decades. Starting with 22 pairs, the current count stands at less than 10 pairs, indicating a drastic reduction. This mirrors the broader decline of marshtits in the UK, with an 80% decrease over 55 years. The decline is attributed to habitat loss, climate change affecting food sources, and competition with blue tits and great tits in gardens.
