Acoustic sensors enable efficient and non-invasive monitoring of a wide range of species, including many that are difficult to monitor in other ways. Although they were initially limited in application scope largely due to cost and hardware constraints, the development of low-cost, open-source models like the Audiomoth in recent years has increased access immensely and opened up new avenues of research. For example, some teams are using them to identify illicit human activities through the detection of associated sounds, like gunshots, vehicles, or chainsaws (e.g. OpenEars).
With this relatively novel dimension of wildlife monitoring rapidly advancing in both marine and terrestrial systems, it is crucial that we identify and share information about the utility and constraints of these sensors to inform efforts. A recent study identified advancements in hardware and machine learning applications, as well as early development of acoustic biodiversity indicators, as factors facilitating progress in the field. In terms of limitations, the authors highlight insufficient reference sound libraries, a lack of open-source audio processing tools, and a need for standardization of survey and analysis protocols. They also stress the importance of collaboration in moving forward, which is precisely what this group will aim to facilitate.
If you're new to acoustic monitoring and want to get up to speed on the basics, check out these beginner's resources and conversations from across the WILDLABS platform:
Three Resources for Beginners:
- Listening to Nature: The Emerging Field of Bioacoustics, Adam Welz
- Ecoacoustics and Biodiversity Monitoring, RSEC Journal
- Monitoring Ecosystems through Sound: The Present and Future of Passive Acoustics, Ella Browning and Rory Gibb
Three Forum Threads for Beginners:
- AudioMoth user guide | Tessa Rhinehart
- Audiomoth and Natterjack Monitoring (UK) | Stuart Newson
- Help with analysing bat recordings from Audiomoth | Carlos Abrahams
Three Tutorials for Beginners:
- "How do I perform automated recordings of bird assemblages?" | Carlos Abrahams, Tech Tutors
- "How do I scale up acoustic surveys with Audiomoths and automated processing?" | Tessa Rhinehart, Tech Tutors
- Acoustic Monitoring | David Watson, Ruby Lee, Andy Hill, and Dimitri Ponirakis, Virtual Meetups
Want to know more about acoustic monitoring and learn from experts in the WILDLABS community? Jump into the discussion in our Acoustic Monitoring group!
Header image: Carly Batist
No showcases have been added to this group yet.
Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) & SENSR
We track changes in wildlife and their habitats in Alberta, working collaboratively to provide ongoing, relevant, scientifically credible information.
- 2 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 4 Groups
Holder of BSc in Applied Zoology. Assistant Ecologist at Ruaha National park.
- 0 Resources
- 7 Discussions
- 12 Groups
- @Martincho
- | tincho
Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA)
Postdoc at Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA - Jujuy National University - CONICET).
- 0 Resources
- 1 Discussions
- 2 Groups
University of Zurich
PhD student at the University of Zürich (CH) in PopEcol group, working with camera traps and mammals
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 8 Groups
- @fsattar
- | Farook
Farook Sattar received his Technical Licentiate and PhD degrees from Lund University, Sweden. He obtained his B.Eng and M.Eng degrees from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET), Dhaka in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 2 Groups
University of Antwerp
- 0 Resources
- 12 Discussions
- 7 Groups
- @sarah_dalrymple
- | she/her
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
- 0 Resources
- 9 Discussions
- 3 Groups
- 0 Resources
- 2 Discussions
- 3 Groups
British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
- 0 Resources
- 11 Discussions
- 1 Groups
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 4 Groups
- @andrew-1234
- | He/Him
PhD in Ecology; I like software development, and working with spatial and acoustic methods applied to species monitoring and research.
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 2 Groups
St. Lawrence University
Professor of Biology at St. Lawrence University
- 0 Resources
- 2 Discussions
- 12 Groups
Article
New guidance - Good practice for ecoacoustic monitoring
Carlos Abrahams
We're very pleased to announce the publication of new 'Good practice guidelines for long-term ecoacoustic monitoring in the UK', produced by Manchester Metropolitan University, Baker Consultants Ltd and a great team of...
23 February 2023
Careers
Rainforest Connection (RFCx), in collaboration with USFWS, seek four Puerto Rican field agents to assist in deploying and retrieving audio recorders for a long-term biodiversity monitoring project in and around six...
22 February 2023
Careers
Research Assistants in Kitzes Lab
Justin Kitzes
Our group once again has openings for Research Assistants to work with us on our bioacoustics projects. A job ad and description of how to apply are below - please feel free to get in touch with any questions!
16 February 2023
Link
Interesting PhD thesis just shared via ResearchGate, looking at developing eDNA and bioacoustics to 1) detect invasive/endangered crayfish & identify rivers vulnerable to invasion, and 2) Describe pond soundscape...
10 February 2023
Careers
Swift Software Developer - Lab of Ornithology
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
The Cornell University Lab of Ornithology is seeking a Software Developer to join the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics.
10 February 2023
Careers
Research Associate - Machine Learning (Underwater Sound)
Stephanie O'Donnell
You will develop and apply novel approaches and machine learning techniques for the detection, classification and identification of marine fauna from passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) validated with paired visual...
10 February 2023
Careers
Technical Officer – IMOS Animal Tracking Facility
Stephanie O'Donnell
IMOS Animal Tracking Facility is hiring a Technical Officer to assist with the preparation, deployment and maintenance of acoustic receivers to monitor movements of tagged animals & continue to develop operational...
7 February 2023
Careers
Are you excited by the potential for new technologies to help monitor the natural world? Do you enjoy communicating your passion for technology and nature with diverse audiences? We are seeking an enthusiastic...
2 February 2023
Careers
Consultancy opportunity: Wildlife monitoring specialist
Anthony Dancer
Consultancy opportunity at ZSL for an experienced monitoring specialist to support species monitoring in rewilding landscapes across Europe
31 January 2023
Article
Apply Now: AI for Conservation Office Hours
WILDLABS Team
Are you stuck on an AI or ML challenge in your conservation work? Apply now for the chance to receive tailored expert advice from data scientists! Applications due 27th January 2023
18 January 2023
Link
This study uses passive acoustic monitoring to record the patterns of illegal cattle occurrence within protected areas in the Brazilian Pantanal.
12 January 2023
Careers
Conservation Technology Intern (Vietnam)
Meredith Palmer
WILDLABS and Fauna & Flora International are seeking an early career Vietnamese conservationist for 12-month paid internship position to grow and support the Southeast Asia regional community in our global...
11 January 2023
September 2025
October 2025
event
Vanesa Reyes
November 2025
November 2023
64 Products
Recently updated products
| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi guys, interesting discussion. As you may have read, we are developing an elephant-detector (to avoid HWC's). The technology we are using (neural networks) can... |
|
Acoustics | 8 years 2 months ago | |
| Hi Bhavesh - thanks a lot. WildLabs doesn't allow me to upload .wav files - can I email you or get them to you another way? They are small - 2 seconds each. You... |
|
Acoustics | 8 years 4 months ago | |
| sorry, double entry |
|
Acoustics | 8 years 9 months ago | |
| Hello Courtney My turn to apologies for delay. Your study sounds very interesting and potentially a valuable technique for future in-situ research. Seems it could indeed fit... |
|
Acoustics | 8 years 11 months ago | |
| Great survey idea, Rory! I am completing it for my organization now so you should see another form input shortly. |
|
Acoustics | 9 years 1 month ago | |
| For those who are interested in this thread, Arik has posted his new prototype in a new thread, where the discussion has continued. |
+8
|
Acoustics | 9 years 2 months ago | |
| Hi Tiago, Thank you for sharing this paper and contributing your experience to the thread. Blantant self promotion, as you put it, is more than welcome when the work... |
+4
|
Acoustics | 9 years 4 months ago | |
| The Elephant Listening Project at the University of Cornell is looking a Postdoctoral research to study forest elephants in central Africa using a combination of field... |
|
Acoustics | 9 years 6 months ago | |
| Like many scientists, I am addicted to learning as much information about my field as possible. That being said - does anyone have any... |
|
Acoustics | 9 years 6 months ago | |
| Excerpted from an article available via Alberta Farm Press (opens in new window). "A University of Alberta... |
|
Acoustics | 9 years 6 months ago | |
| This special issue of Ecological Informatics, entitled Ecological Acoustics, is a great overview of the applicatoins of acoustic... |
|
Acoustics | 9 years 7 months ago |
