Predicting the Effects of Urbanisation on Biodiversity with the use of Soundscape Analysis

Urbanisation, driven by staggering global population growth, continues to expand at the expense of natural habitats, presenting significant challenges for biodiversity. This study investigates the effects of urban development on species richness and activity via soundscape analysis. This research was conducted in two newly developed housing estates, Langley Country Park and Hackwood Grange, in Derby, UK, and involved 15 participant households. AudioMoth devices were set up to record bat and bird acoustic data over a period of four days, with indices such as NDSI, ACI, ADI, and BI calculated in Software R. Additionally, bat species identification was performed using Kaleidoscope Pro Analysis Software.

The results showed significant differences in biodiversity between the two newly developed housing estates. Langley exhibited greater bird acoustic diversity, as evidenced by acoustic indices and bat pulses counts, respectively. Conversely, Hackwood demonstrated a greater diversity in bat species, identifying nine of the 17 bat species found in the UK, compared to fewer at Langley. Habitat features such as semi-urban surroundings and hedgerows within 100 meters of participants homes were associated with increased species observation, underscoring the importance of these elements in supporting biodiversity. Notable, bird feeders were absent in most homes but appeared to influence species diversity where present.

The findings highlight the critical role of natural and semi-natural features, such as hedgerows, in maintaining urban biodiversity. These features should remain integral to newly created housing developments to enhance ecosystem resilience and mitigate biodiversity loss. This research emphasizes the need for urban planning strategies that promote sustainable coexistence between urban development and wildlife and prioritise habitat preservation.