
Department
Biology
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
Anthropogenic disturbances, particularly road infrastructure and noise pollution, significantly affect avian populations, influencing their ecology, behaviour, and reproductive success. This study examined the impact of highway proximity on the reproductive success of the Northern House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon) in a rural landscape. Noise levels and reproductive outcomes were compared between two sites in Hays, Kansas: a high-traffic site near Interstate 70 (Sternberg Museum Nature Trail) and a lower-traffic site at Big Creek on the Fort Hays State University campus. I hypothesized that increased traffic volume and noise pollution would negatively affect Northern House Wren reproductive success. Ambient noise levels and traffic volumes were significantly higher at the Sternberg site (56.86 ± 14.55 dB; 165.0 ± 36.99 vehicles) compared to Big Creek (45.78 ± 5.90 dB; 49.42 ± 26.27 vehicles). This greater intensity and variability likely contributed to reduced reproductive success by disrupting communication, increasing stress, and exposing nests to disturbances. Reproductive success was notably higher at Big Creek, where conditions were more favourable. The average clutch size was 7.14 eggs in the first brood, with hatch success at 95.9% and fledging success at 89.79%. In the second brood, hatch success declined to 69.24% and fledging success to 44.84%. Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative relationship between traffic volume and reproductive success (r = -0.748, p < 0.001) and a moderate negative correlation with noise level (r = -0.457, p = 0.033). These findings highlight the need for mitigation strategies in road-adjacent habitats to support avian populations and promote successful breeding outcomes.
Keywords
Highway, Reproductive Success, Traffic Disturbance, Northern House Wrens, Conservation
Advisor
Dr. Medhavi Ambardar
Date of Award
Spring 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Recommended Citation
Hanson, Nana-Esi Irie, "The Influence of Anthropogenic Infrastructure on the Reproductive Success of Northern House Wrens (Troglodytes Aedon) in Proximity to Highways" (2025). Master's Theses. 3268.
DOI: 10.58809/LTAF1770
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/3268
Rights
© The Author