A silent spring, or a new cacophony? Invasive plants as maestros of modern soundscapes.

This article explores the potential impact of invasive plants on soundscapes, which are the acoustic patterns of a landscape. While research has primarily focused on the effects of invasive species on specific sound-making organisms or the loss of sound-making native species, the impact of invasive plants on soundscapes as a whole remains largely unknown. The article suggests four mechanisms through which invasive plants may alter native soundscapes, including changes in the abundance and richness of sound-making species, alterations in animal behavior, modifications to the physical structure of habitats, and the influence of additional factors such as seasonality and environmental conditions. The study proposes that investigating the impact of invasive plants on soundscapes through whole-ecosystem acoustic monitoring can provide valuable insights into the consequences of invasion and aid in biodiversity monitoring efforts. Understanding the full breadth of the consequences of invasive plants is crucial for scientific rigor and mitigation campaigns. Additionally, alterations to soundscapes may have implications for human health, cultural significance, and our connection to natural spaces. [Extracted from the article]