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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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@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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@AliceMuller
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I am an environmental scientist working in international community development and community led ecosystem restoration

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@EliThore
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Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

I am a biologist with a broad interest in how the environment affects the behaviour and ecology of wildlife. I also like seeking creative and practical solutions to reduce our impact on the environment.

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@Theresa
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@tsgouvea

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@fmnrandrew
| he, him

I hold a PhD in terrestrial ecology (2010) and am an Adjunct Research Fellow at Charles Sturt University. I also work with World Vision Australia as Monitoring Coordinator for a project called "Scale Up FMNR" which is short for "Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration"

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@Iniunam
| He

Conservation Biologist, Data Analyst and Bioacoustics enthusiast

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@sbombaci
| she/her/hers

I study acoustic ecology, community ecology, and social justice in conservation

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@garthpaine
| He/Him

Arizona State University

Garth Paine (https://www.activatedspace.com/ ) is acoustic ecologist, composer, sound artist, and academic (ASU) based in USA/Australia. He is known for his pioneering work on species density metrics from ambient recordings and his anti-poaching efforts

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@Xavier_Mouy
| he/him

I build software and hardware tools to help the analysis or the collection of passive acoustic data.

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@SoleG

Researcher interested in the conservation of endemic anurans from arid High Andes. Focused on behavior, ecology, physiology, and reproduction studies. Education for conservation.

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@CarlosAbrahams
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Baker Consultants

Director of Bioacoustics and Senior Lecturer

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Description	Activity	Replies	Groups	Updated
Any users of the BirdWeather device?	We actually recently introduced Recording Schedules - where you can control the PUC's duty cycle during (Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk).		Acoustics	11 months 3 weeks ago
WILDLABS AWARDS 2024 - FinDrop: Accessible Acoustic Monitoring for Mesophotic Marine Environments	Hey Xavier! Thank you for your interest and question!! The overarching goal of the FinDrop v1 for the WildLabs award is to characterize an instrument and make it as, if...		Acoustics, Build Your Own Data Logger Community, Marine Conservation, Protected Area Management Tools, Sustainable Fishing Challenges	11 months 3 weeks ago
Sound localized my first poachers today	The main takeaway from this particular localization was that a gunshot was able to be detected considerably further than I previously thought. 2.7km is really far I think for a...		Acoustics	1 year ago
Audiomoth configuration for new users	Hi Nick,Yes, It's very common to have big data in the SD cards when recording bats!I agree with Carly's comments. Indeed, I suggest you make a schedule so you do not record...		Acoustics	1 year ago
Seeking insights for the next WILDLABS Virtual Meetup Series	So excited for this! These topics are all super relevant and comprehensive. Maybe one thing that might be interesting to hear about is projects where PAM is combined with...		Acoustics	1 year ago
Detection and removing of windy events in wild acoustic recordings	Hi Stefan,Sorry, I'm not sure I fully understand your question.If you're referring to my first comment, the package I initially tried didn't work with my dataset. The likely...	+8	Acoustics	1 year ago
Acoustic monitoring: looking to understand its basics	Hi there Loveness, I agree there is a ton to learn with acoustic monitoring! Here's my favorite website for learning the (many) basics! Discovery of Sound in the SeaHave...		Acoustics	1 year ago
Healthy trees for our firewood	Karibu sana		Acoustics, East Africa Community, Conservation Tech Training and Education	1 year ago
Volunteering in Bioacoustics	Hi César, Is there a geographic area you're limited to? That would help to narrow down options. I would recommend reaching out perhaps to the Kitzes Lab, Sound Forest...		Acoustics, Citizen Science, Community Base, Early Career, Marine Conservation	1 year ago
Auto ID Software for NA Amphibians?	Retweet on OpenSoundscape - great package and documentation that allows you to build your own CNNs! Note that this is in Python though. There are tons of bioacoustics...		Acoustics, Data management and processing tools	1 year ago
High quality field deployable playback devices - acoustic and ultrasonic: do they exist?	Hi @BrettMargoSupplies this product seems like a fantastic addition to The Inventory, WILDLABS' wiki-style discovery platform for conservation technology. Adding a product is...		Acoustics	1 year ago
Looking for interview participants for research on AI Conservation & the CBD	Hi everyone, I am conducting a research project as part of my MSc in Environment and Development at the London School of Economics. I...		Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Autonomous Camera Traps for Insects, Ethics of Conservation Tech	1 year ago