Wildlife behavior study reveals impact of human presence

A study published in the journal Science has revealed how human presence and landscape modification independently and collectively influence wildlife behavior. Researchers from UC Santa Barbara, the Smithsonian, and Yale University analyzed GPS tracking data from 4,581 mammals and birds across 37 species in the continental United States.

By utilizing anonymized cellphone geolocation data and comparing movement patterns from 2019 to the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown periods, scientists were able to distinguish between the effects of permanent infrastructure—such as roads and agriculture—and the temporary physical presence of people. The findings show that 57% of the species studied were affected by both factors.

Species responded in diverse ways: human presence influenced the habitat use or environmental niche of 67% of mammals and 68% of birds. For instance, wolves expanded their habitat use in response to humans, potentially due to historical behavioral adaptations, while white-tailed deer contracted their niches as human presence increased.