Predicting changes in ecosystems is typically a guessing game, but what if there was a way to more accurately detect potential changes? Scientists have found that the quiet spread of non-native invasive plants can impact the soundscape of an ecosystem. These altered soundscapes, which are the acoustic patterns of a landscape over time and space, could offer a way to better observe the difficult-to-see physical and biological changes that are just beginning to take place in an ecosystem.
A group of researchers, spearheaded by Grace O’Malley, a Ph.D. candidate in biological sciences, and Gabrielle Ripa, a Ph.D. student in plant and environmental sciences, has made a discovery. They found that the quiet growth of non-native invasive plants can impact the soundscape of an ecosystem. These modified soundscapes, which are the acoustic patterns of a landscape over time and space, could be a valuable tool for observing the often hard-to-detect physical and biological changes taking place in an ecosystem. This innovative research method was recently featured in the journal of the Ecological Society of America.
The new project is aimed at exploring soundscapes as a way to invite other researchers to join. While the concept of researching soundscapes is not new, the focus of this project is on the soundscape of an entire ecosystem rather than just one species within a habitat. This shift in perspective is considered a new and growing approach.
According to O’Malley and Ripa, graduate students affiliated with the Invasive Species Collaborative, this new way of thinking involves considering the ecosystem as a whole rather than focusing on specific species like frogs or birds. They emphasize the importance of looking at it across all taxonomic levels.
The project covers approximately 66 areas, many of which are within a 20-minute drive from Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus.The scientists placed equipment to capture five to 15 minutes of audio each hour. They then compared the sounds from areas taken over by non-native plants to areas restored to their original state.
“We use these small recording devices with an SD card that are specifically made for capturing wildlife sounds,” Ripa said. “I was not expecting the amount of data we collected. It’s incredible.”
“I was amazed that we were able to detect differences between the two environments in such a short time,” O’Malley said, referring to an initial two-week period for the test study. “The invasive plants may actually be altering the soundscape.”The Jefferson National Forest, Pandapas Pond, and various parks in the Town of Blacksburg were all chosen as recording sites for this study. This decision was based on the town’s efforts to remove invasive plant species. The data collected can be used for a wide range of research, including studies on ecosystems. “The Town of Blacksburg has been doing a lot of work on autumn olive removal, which is one of our focal species,” said O’Malley. The team also believes that further research is needed to explore different mechanisms related to invasive plants and their impact.Invasive plant species might change the soundscape of an ecosystem and the potential impact of these unwanted noise-makers on the entire system.
“We’re calling on other scientists to consider this as a potential issue,” Ripa stated. “We propose reasons why invasive plants could be affecting soundscapes and suggest some potential mechanisms that warrant further investigation.”
Originally a lighthearted suggestion from Jacob Barney, a professor of invasive plant ecology, the concept of invasive species altering the soundscape has now become a viable research opportunity.
Barney partnered with Meryl Mims, a professor of biological sciences who specializes in studying bullfrogs and using acoustics in her research. Together, they received a pilot study grant from the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology and collaborated with David Franushich, an artist and multimedia designer at the institute.
“This project has been thrilling, motivating, and most importantly, enjoyable. Sound plays a crucial role in how we and other living things perceive and comprehend our environment. The study of the soundscape — and how we are altering it with the introduction of invasive plants — is fascinating.”Mims expressed the significance of the team’s science-art collaboration, stating that it offers the chance to reach a wider audience beyond formal research. The team was granted additional funding in 2023 from the Global Change Center to continue their ongoing research. The initial findings are considered significant due to the lack of scholarly research in this area, prompting the researchers to encourage other scientists to explore the entire ecosystem acoustic avenue. Mims also highlighted the importance of exploring questions that have not been previously asked.In this type of system. It is a brand new area, and it is currently not being researched,” Ripa explained.
Invasive plants certainly change ecosystems, and this recent research suggests that there could be an opportunity to gain a better understanding, if only we pay attention.
The team of researchers involved in this study is made up of the following:
- Jacob N. Barney, who is a professor in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as well as the director of the Invasive Species Collaborative, and a faculty affiliate with the Global Change Center and Fralin Life Sciences Institute
- Joseph Drake, who serves as a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Science and Technology at the University of Lorem Ipsum and