Acoustics | WILDLABS

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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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@Drue_Freeman

Partner in Conservation at WWF

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@donovantye
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Savanna Ecologist, Field Station Director and Head of Conservation Tech Projects for Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS).

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@Seagoose
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Ecologist & Conservationist. Women for the Environment, Africa Fellow. National Geographic Explorer.

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@aljmichel
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PhD student at UC Davis studying gorilla communication & movement

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@Cuckoo_Connor
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Avian Science Tech at Ecostudies Institute; AudioMoths and military lands

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@holmbergius

Wild Me

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@AdventureScientists

Adventure Scientists is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Bozeman, MT that equips scientists and researchers with high-quality data collected from the outdoors that are crucial to addressing environmental challenges around the world.

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@olistaehli

Background in Computer Science, Developing Acoustic AI Tech at Synature

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@Cedric

I am both head of the Innovation department and a biodiversity consultant at the Biotope consultancy. Originally a botanist and GIS expert, I specialise in the management of innovation projects, in particular software and technological products dedicated to biodiversity.

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@chmod000
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I build sensing and perceiving hardware that is designed to address issues that matter to me. That ranges from assistive technologies, to conservation ecology, and connecting individuals with place and each other.

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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

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Acoustic monitoring fieldwork positions in Puerto Rico

Carly Batist

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

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Developing Two Non-invasive Survey Methods for Freshwater Ecosystems: Environmental DNA and Ecoacoustics

Stephanie O'Donnell

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

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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

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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

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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

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Job: Building a network of conservation tech across continents

Tom August

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

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