Effects of Simulated Aircraft Noise on Heart-Rate and Behavior of Desert Ungulates

Abstract

We evaluated the effects of simulated low-altitude jet aircraft noise on the behavior and physiology of captive desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki) (n- 6) and mountain sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana) (n -5). We measured heart rate, body temperature, and behavior in relation to ambient temperature, number of simulated overflights/day, and noise levels (range - 92-112 decibels (dB)) that the animals were exposed to. We compared heart rates during simulated overflights (n - 112/treatments/season) to data collected prior to and following treatment periods. We documented differences between heart rates for animals, noise levels, and number of overflights between seasons. All animals became habituated to sounds of low-altitude aircraft. Although heart rates increased during overflights, they returned to resting rates in less than or equal 2 minutes. Aircraft, Behavior, Desert mule deer, Mountain sheep, Noise

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA284953

Entities

People

  • Donald W. Deyoung
  • Mara E. Weisenberger
  • Mark C. Wallace
  • O. E. Maughan
  • Paul R. Krausman

Organizations

  • University of Arizona

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircraft Noise
  • Aircrafts
  • Altitude
  • Animals
  • Biological Sciences
  • Birds
  • Body Temperature
  • Cervidae
  • Domestic Animals
  • Environment
  • Habitats
  • Jet Aircraft
  • Laboratory Animals
  • Low Altitude
  • Medical Personnel
  • Wildlife

Readers

  • Acoustics.
  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Marine Mammal Biology