{
  "id": 8345915,
  "title": "How human-made noise is changing the call of an eye-catching Himalayan bird",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/how-human-made-noise-is-changing-the-call-of-an-eye-catching",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-19T01:00:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/himalayan-monal-noise-climate-change-habitat-explained-10884302/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Himalayan monal, an eye-catching bird and the state bird of Uttarakhand, is facing threats from human-made noise according to two recent studies. While the ground-dwelling bird is not currently endangered, the research highlights the need to protect its habitat and adapt its communication methods to changing environments.\n\nIn one study, researchers from Hemvathi Bahuguna Garhwal University (HBGU) compared monal call patterns in two areas within the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary – Madmaheshwar Valley, with minimal human activity, and Chopta Valley, which has roads, tourists, and heavy footfall from pilgrims. The findings revealed that monals in the more noisy Chopta Valley used higher-frequency calls compared to those in the quieter Madmaheshwar Valley.\n\nLead researcher Anand Kumar explained that this difference was particularly pronounced at the higher end of the birds' call frequencies. The researchers speculate that the monal may adjust its calls to its surroundings, using passive acoustic monitoring devices to record the birds' vocalizations even in challenging weather conditions.\n\nThe implications of this adaptation are significant for the monal's mating success, as increased human noise could mask the male birds' calls, making it difficult for females to locate and respond to their mating calls. More research is needed to fully understand the impact on the bird's reproduction and overall survival.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Himalayan monal faces noise threats from human activity.",
    "Monal calls in noisy Chopta Valley higher in frequency.",
    "Noise may mask mating calls, impacting reproduction."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Human-made noise is altering the Himalayan monal's call patterns, with birds in noisier areas using higher-frequency calls, potentially impacting their mating success and survival.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}