Himalayan Monal Adapts Call Frequencies to Combat Noise Pollution

The Himalayan monal, Uttarakhand's state bird, is demonstrating a remarkable adaptation to increasing human-generated noise in parts of the Himalayas. Researchers from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University have found that these birds are altering their calls to cope with the growing din from traffic, tourists, and pilgrims.

A study published in Behavioural Processes in August 2025 by Rajeev Lochan, Dinesh Kumar Sharma, and Anand Kumar analyzed 719 monal calls recorded between April 2023 and June 2024. By comparing calls from the quieter Madmaheshwar Valley with the busier Chopta Valley in the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, they observed distinct changes.

In noisier landscapes, monals produced calls with higher peak frequencies and slightly longer durations. This adjustment, where peak frequencies were approximately 171 Hz higher in noisy habitats, is interpreted as a strategy to reduce acoustic masking and ensure communication. The bird's ability to modify its vocalizations rather than abandon its habitat showcases its resilience in the face of environmental changes.

Why it matters: This highlights wildlife's immediate adaptations to human encroachment, offering insights into their resilience and the subtle impacts of environmental changes.

Editor's note: The draft provides a concise and accurate summary of the study's findings regarding the Himalayan monal's acoustic adaptation.

This article is AI-generated and fact-gated. Original reporting: The Better India