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
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Article
Gunshot detection technology deployed
Lars Holst Hansen
Analysing recordings of gunshots could help save endangered species around the world by identifying poacher hotspots.
7 January 2024
Article
The sound maps that predict poachers' movements
Lars Holst Hansen
Digital monitoring tools are helping rangers protect wildlife in South America's Atlantic Forest. Could sound-based maps pin down the poaching threat?
7 January 2024
Article
Low-cost hydrophone - Invitation to tender
Xavier Mouy
The IQOE Task Team on Low-Cost Hydrophones for Research, Education, and Citizen Science is looking for industry partners to develop a low-cost hydrophone.
15 December 2023
Article
Sustainable land managment
Szilvia Szilagyi
How to engage decision makers for a more sustainable land management for both citizens and landowners in developing countries.
15 December 2023
Link
Geospatial data training and education for conservation
Szilvia Szilagyi
Sharing our startup's webpage, featuring information about our services and products. We are open for new partnership, collaboration R&D project in the field of GIS data analysis.
15 December 2023
Article
Conservation of Kikuyu Escarpment Forest
Consolata Gathoni Gitau
With the support of Women in Conservation Technology (Kenya) and Arm, I had a chance to work with Kijabe Environment Volunteers in Kikuyu Escarpment Forest. This was an opportunity to channel my passion for the...
1 December 2023
Careers
Prospective PhD students with a background in acoustics and an interest in Arctic ecology are encouraged to email Michelle EH Fournet
16 November 2023
Careers
Sarab Sethi is looking for a PhD student (Sept 24) to investigate real time insect pollinator monitoring with acoustics. Sensor design, ML, lab and field experiments, and more !
16 November 2023
Careers
Software Engineer at Rainforest Connection & Arbimon
Carly Batist
Join the Rainforest Connection & Arbimon team to develop software for biodiversity monitoring!
14 November 2023
Link
Digital Signals Processing - free online textbook
Lars Holst Hansen
I just discovered this freely available book on digital signal processing and love the fact that it is“…intended for students … who may not have much mathematical or engineering training.” Seems like a great resource...
31 October 2023
Article
Ecoacoustic Bird Survey White Paper
Carlos Abrahams
Baker Consultants has released new ecoacoustic research assessing the benefits of using automated detectors alongside transect bird survey methods.
30 October 2023
Article
In case you missed it... (no.2)
Stephanie O'Donnell
Five #tech4wildlife people, projects and updates that caught my attention this month. This issue is a naturetech, biodiversity startup edition! Featuring a living map of the biodiversity startup scene, is nature data...
27 October 2023
September 2025
October 2025
event
Vanesa Reyes
November 2025
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Wildlife Acoustics
event
Carly Batist
64 Products
Recently updated products
| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hello WildLabs community,Here's an update on our progress with the AI-based marine mammal sound detection platform.What We've AccomplishedWe've completed our first milestone:... |
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Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Marine Conservation | 58 minutes 38 seconds ago | |
| hi chad, its great to hear from you_its really a great idea and impactful journey in our community having experience in community-led conservation initiatives, working... |
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Funding and Finance, Acoustics, Latin America Community | 3 weeks 2 days ago | |
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| Awesome, I think I get what you mean! Thank you! |
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Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Emerging Tech | 1 month ago | |
| Hi Josept! Thank you for sharing your experience! This types of feedback are important for the community to know about when choosing what tech to use for their work. Would you be... |
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Acoustics | 1 month 1 week ago | |
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Acoustics | 1 month 2 weeks ago |
