Summer is time festivals. Cities around the world are filled with stages, music, lights and fun. But if something is done wrong, it also causes stress, despair and death. Many animals suffer from the consequences of such a holiday. For example, light pollution can harm biodiversity, especially nocturnal species. But also other factors, such as drug use and, above all, noise, They can cause stress in some species, even to the point of their death.
Recently Arid Zone Experimental Stationin Almeria warned the city council not to celebrate the festival near Hoya Experimental Farm, in which several endangered ungulate species coexist. They noted that the animals are in their reproductive period and stress caused by noise can be fatal. The council did not heed their advice and celebrated the holiday as planned, resulting in the death of four gazelles and a rooster. Among the dead animals were two calves and two pregnant females.
Animals suffer, but so do people attending festivals. Recently supported AC/DC at their concert in Seville. Taylor MomsenI had to go to the hospital after bat Confused by the noise, he bit him mid-performance. These animals, which can transmit rabies, do not usually attack. If he did this, it was because he was completely disoriented. Therefore, if selfishness prevents some people from thinking about animals, perhaps they could think about the people themselves who pay the entry fee to attend festivals. We can all pay for our impacts on biodiversity.
Noise and stress at festivals
festival music This is a great source of enjoyment for those of us who volunteer. On the other hand, animals suddenly faced with it may become stressed for many reasons.
First of all, it is important to remember that this very loud and long sound. After the incident in Almeria, the Department of Culture issued a statement saying that the sound did not exceed 60 dB and that this was less than the sound of a telephone. This may be true, but keep in mind that the phone will ring for over an hour.
Animals that hear this noise do not hear each other, which makes mating difficult. They also don’t hear the coming predators, so they put their lives in danger. Moreover, those that use sound for orientation, such as bats, will eventually find themselves completely lost.
Studies have been conducted on various species in which the effects have been observed. For example, in the case of bats, as we have already seen, they suffer especially since they navigate by echolocation. They make sounds and detect possible obstacles by listening to echoes. If there is loud and constant music in the background, they will become completely disoriented. Taylor Momsen is a witness to this.
In addition, the University of the West of England conducted a study with several species of bats in the area around the festival and found that after the festival ended, the activity of these animals in the area decreased. almost 50%.
Birds also suffer greatly. There are studies that show that many disappear in the vicinity of festivals. Perhaps it is because they are running, but also because they are dying. It’s about animals very vulnerable to stress, especially when they have a short service life. Therefore, festival music can cause death. This can happen to many bird species, but research suggests starlings as one of the most sensitive.
The case of the Almerian ungulates
What happened on a farm in Almeria has once again raised questions about the dangers of festival music for biodiversity. The deceased animals underwent necropsies, which revealed various causes of death. all because of stress. One of the cubs died due to the inattention of the mother, who may have been disoriented by the noise. On the other hand, one of the pregnant women died during an abortion. The remaining animals died from traumatic injuries, possibly also caused by stress.
No matter how controlled the sound is, it is still a loud noise of unknown origin, causing the animals to become very nervous.
Other risk factors for festivals
In 2019 and 2021, two studies were published on the effects of drugs on river eels. And how do acne consume these drugs? After all, it is precisely because of their forced presence at festivals.
People who use substances such as cocaine or MDMA They urinate in nearby rivers. This drug-laden urine reaches the acne, causing respiratory, muscle and reproductive damage. They can literally end your life.
Can festivals be made animal-friendly?
Some effects of festivals are easy to control. For example, with acne the situation is as simple as establish surveillance to prevent visitors from urinating in the river and preventing public toilets from entering its waters.
As for noise, it’s more complicated. Of course, the territory where festivals are held must be chosen carefully. To begin with, if scientists warn that the chosen site is not suitable, as happened in Almeria, their advice should be followed. You can also ask for recommendations from associations that have experience in such matters.
Once the area has been selected, it is necessary to continue taking measurements. For example, in England The installation of soundproofing fences is beginning to be recommended. These are bushes that can greatly muffle sound, so that the noise created by festivals does not extend beyond the borders of the area framed by them.
We can certainly enjoy festivals, but it would be logical for those who organize them to consider the visitors who do not pay for admission. They suffer the most. So much so that their lives may even depend on it.
Source: Hiper Textual
