Soundscapes and Sanctuaries: Mapping Wolf Sanctuary Environments Using Soundscape Analysis

Item

Title
Soundscapes and Sanctuaries: Mapping Wolf Sanctuary Environments Using Soundscape Analysis
Description
This thesis investigates the acoustic environment of Wolf Haven International, an animal sanctuary dedicated to the care of rescued and displaced wolves and coyotes as well as the conservation of wild wolf populations. By deploying AudioMoth devices across five strategic locations within the sanctuary and continuously recording the soundscape over the course of several days, a comprehensive sound profile was derived. Extracting both decibel and frequency levels from the audio and analyzing differences by location and time of day, the research provides insight into the spatial and temporal distribution of sound at Wolf Haven. Key findings reveal significant differences in sound levels across sites, influenced by factors such as proximity to service paths or public areas, vegetation density, and built structures. The research highlights the critical role of natural sound buffers, like foliage, in mitigating noise pollution, and the importance of intentional placement of animals, including individuals sensitive to noise and wolves who can be released into the wild. The results provide a baseline for future soundscape monitoring and contribute valuable data for the ongoing development of Wolf Haven's Sanctuary Master Plan, with implications for improving animal welfare, recovery husbandry, and habitat management.
Date
September 2024
Creator
Kelli "Robin" Vance
Identifier
Vance_Robin_MES_Thesis_092024

Position: 89 (46 views)