A systematized spatial review of global protected area soundscape research

• Published in: Biodiversity and conservation Vol. 31; no. 12; pp. 2945 - 2964
• Main Authors: Gale, Trace, Adiego, Andrés, Ednie, Andrea, Beeftink, Karen, Báez, Andrea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.10.2022; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acoustics; Analysis; Biodiversity; Biodiversity protection and reserves; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Climate Change/Climate Change Impacts; Conservation Biology/Ecology; Ecology; Ecosystems; Geographical locations; Knowledge management; Life Sciences; Literature reviews; Marine environment; Protected areas; Protection and preservation; Review Paper; Soundscapes; Strategic management; System effectiveness; Temperate zones; Socio-ecological systems; Systematized literature review; Soundscape ecology; World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA); Protected area; Soundscapes; Human-natural systems
• ISSN: 0960-3115; 1572-9710
• DOI: 10.1007/s10531-022-02478-7

Protected areas (PA) represent the primary mechanism to protect global ecosystems; yet current capacities often lead to geographic imbalances for PA management around the world. PA soundscapes have proved a valuable element to inform effective management, as natural sounds are important for healthy natural systems and rewarding visitor experiences. This article employed a systematized literature review of PA soundscape research, matching the areas of study described for the 218 articles, with PA from the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA). The studies took place in 372 PA, which were cataloged by geographic location and size where possible, country, and continent. Data charting included extracted keywords, research objectives, methods, outcomes and future research needs. Numeric and geographic analysis focused on understanding the nature, extent, and distribution of the studies, while thematic analysis was applied to identify trends with respect to methods, outcomes, and future research. Study results identified content and geographic imbalances between studies in tropical and temperate zones, terrestrial and marine environments, and the Global South and North. Discussion considers how global initiatives may support information and resource sharing that facilitates knowledge and capacity transfer between the two regions.