07.02. - The diminuendo of diversity: the impact of biodiversity loss on natural soundscapes

The diminuendo of diversity: the impact of biodiversity loss on natural soundscapes

Simon Butler, Norwich

From Messiaen’s “Catalogue d’Oiseaux” and Vaughan William’s “The Lark Ascending”, to Rachel Carson’s stark warnings about the environmental impacts of pesticides in “Silent Spring”, bird song has always been a defining component of our relationship with nature and frequently provides the soundtrack to time spent outside. However, global biodiversity losses mean we are losing players and instruments from this natural orchestra. I will explore how bird population declines have impacted avian soundscapes across Europe and North America over the past three decades and discuss the potential implications for the quality of our nature experiences and the health and well-being benefits these can provide.

Simon Butler is an Associate Professor in Ecology, University of East Anglia, Norfolk UK. His research uses citizen science data to explore and understand bird population dynamics and to inform the development and implementation of conservation actions.