A Review and Analysis of Noise Levels and Artificial Light Disturbances from Motorsport Events on Wildlife

Abstract

Motorsport is a growing automotive sector continuously expanding during a time when human activities are increasing noise and light pollution. Anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night can alter an animal’s behavior, communication, and physiology. However, research on the impact of anthropogenic noise and artificial light from motorsport on local wildlife is limited. Therefore, my goal was to provide a critical analysis of the effect of anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night from motorsport events on wildlife. I accomplished this goal through a literature review and two case studies on Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia, and the Singapore Grand Prix. I then synthesized published evidence of wildlife responses to light and noise with motorsport noise and lighting data through a discussion to draw conclusions about the effect of motorsport on wildlife. I found that although motorsport is not a sector as large as other sporting industries or other transportation industries such as aviation, the noise level and light intensity are far higher. The noise level and artificial light emitted from motorsport exceeds the minimum level for behavioral and physiological responses in terrestrial wildlife and it is highly likely that surrounding wildlife exhibit behavioral and physiological responses, though responses may vary by species. It is crucial to increase research efforts that address knowledge gaps associated with motorsport’s impact on wildlife. The variability among circuit types, locations, and racing categories makes definitive research on the overall impact of motorsport on wildlife difficult, however this variability can be overcome by integrative track-specific research focused on the surrounding wildlife and habitat at each venue.