Assessing the ecological impact of industrial noise pollution on wildlife behavior in Okomu Forest Reserve, Nigeria

Abstract The study identified sources and established the levels of industrial noise in Okomu National Park with the aim of determining the impact of industrial noise pollution on wildlife in Okomu National Park. It also modelled propagation of ambient noise levels associated with the established levels as well as determined impacts of ambient noise obtained from industrial activities on wildlife of the National Park. Locations of identified sources of noise including industrial activities sources relative to the National Park were established and digital maps of the identified locations was generated. Ambient noise levels were obtained for wildlife populations around selected locations. Noise assignment was done at each of the hotspots for industrial activity that had been detected using EXTEC sensors. The average noise levels from the industrial sources were then processed into a model using NoiseMap. The calculated noise levels from identified sources were represented with contour map. The results identified sources of noise pollution in Okomu Forest Reserve as: Okomu Palm Oil processing mill and Michelin rubber Processing factory. The result showed that activities within these industries produced at least 40 dB during the period of study. The effects of noise from the industrial activities forced the migration of the animals out of the National Park to favourable habitats with less noise sources. The retreat of the animals caused energy depletion and reduced the chances of their survival. The study concluded that industrial activities such as Palm oil processing, rubber processing, logging and vehicles are a major source of noise pollution that threatens the sustainability of wildlife in the Okomu National Park.