Noise intensity modulates the responses of mantled howler monkeys to anthropophony

Anthropogenic noise is a major global pollutant but its effects on primates are poorly understood, limiting our ability to develop mitigation actions that favor their welfare and conservation. In this study, we used an experimental approach to determine the impact of variation in noise intensity on...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of primatology 2024-01, Vol.86 (1), p.e23568-n/a
Main Authors: Dias, Pedro A. D., Gómez Espinosa, Eugenia Eréndira, Chavira Ramírez, David Roberto, Rangel Negrín, Ariadna
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alouatta - physiology
Animals
Anthropogenic factors
behavior
Behavior, Animal - physiology
Behavioral responses
Chain saws
Conservation
Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids - metabolism
Human influences
Male
Males
Metabolites
Mexico
Mitigation
Monkeys
Monkeys & apes
Noise
Noise control
Noise intensity
Noise levels
Physiological effects
Physiology
playback experiments
Playbacks
Pollutants
Primates
stress
Stress (physiology)
Vigilance
vocalizations
Welfare
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Summary:Anthropogenic noise is a major global pollutant but its effects on primates are poorly understood, limiting our ability to develop mitigation actions that favor their welfare and conservation. In this study, we used an experimental approach to determine the impact of variation in noise intensity on mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata). We conducted the study at Los Tuxtlas (México), where we studied the physiological stress (proxied via fecal glucocorticoid metabolites, fGCM) and behavioral responses of 16 males. We played back chainsaw noise at two intensities (40 and 80 dB) and used days in which groups were not exposed to noise as matched controls. With increased noise intensity fGCM increased, vigilance and vocalizations were longer, and vigilance, vocalizations, and flight occurred quicker. Physiological and behavioral responses occurred even after low‐intensity noise playbacks (i.e., 40 dB). Therefore, noise intensity is a significant factor explaining the responses of mantled howler monkeys to anthropogenic noise. These results imply that management actions aimed at eradicating anthropogenic noise are required for the conservation and welfare of mantled howler monkeys at Los Tuxtlas. The physiological and behavioral responses of mantled howler monkey males to anthropogenic noise are conditional on noise intensity. Highlights Anthropogenic noise is a major global pollutant but its effects on primates are poorly understood. Noise intensity has strong effects on the physiological and behavioral responses of mantled howler monkeys to anthropogenic noise.
ISSN:0275-2565
1098-2345
DOI:10.1002/ajp.23568