antropophonia

Antropophonia refers to the sounds produced by human activity. It is a subfield of bioacoustics and soundscape ecology that focuses specifically on the auditory impact of humans on the environment. This encompasses a wide range of sounds, from industrial noise and traffic to human voices, music, and even the sounds of machinery and construction.

The study of antropophonia is concerned with how these anthropogenic sounds influence natural ecosystems and wildlife. Researchers examine how human-generated noise can mask or disrupt the communication signals of animals, affecting their mating, predator avoidance, and foraging behaviors. It also investigates the potential physiological and behavioral stress induced in animals due to constant exposure to human sounds.

Beyond the impact on wildlife, antropophonia also considers the human experience of sound in urban and rural environments. This includes the study of noise pollution and its effects on human health and well-being, as well as the aesthetic qualities of soundscapes and the cultural significance of different sound environments. Understanding antropophonia helps in developing strategies for noise mitigation, soundscape management, and conservation efforts aimed at preserving natural soundscapes and reducing the negative auditory impacts of human presence. The term itself combines "anthropos" (human) and "phone" (sound).