We fitted 20 greylag geese with transmitters, which recorded two minute averages of heart rate and core body temperature.ĭaily heart rate and body temperature patterns were compared between every hour of December 31, January 1, average values for the month of December and average values for January. Our study investigated the physiological responses of wild greylag geese in response to New Year’s Eve fireworks in a rural area of Austria. In the long term, increased emotional stimulation is an indicator of poor animal welfare. Heart rate and body temperature increases are reliable measures of stress. Physiological responses can be good measures of emotional arousal in animals, allowing researchers to assess whether animals are relaxed or frightened. Our recent study, one of the first to study how fireworks affect wildlife, showed how physically distressed animals – in this case geese – were made by New Year’s firework celebrations. Unfortunately, scientists don’t know much about exactly how fireworks impact animals as they’re difficult to observe at night. What must it be like for the wild animals that delight us on walks and picnics to be confronted with such an inescapable barrage of sound? For example, hiding away from loud thunderstorms and running away from the noise of falling rocks might save an animal’s life.īut there is nowhere to hide from fireworks. Shying away from dangerous situations increases survival. But have you ever taken a moment to imagine how your local wildlife feels about it?įear, including the fear of loud noises, is deeply rooted in the evolutionary history of all animals. The crackle, fizz and bang of fireworks exploding overhead in a shower of intense colours is considered the highlight of many festivals and celebrations.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |