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
- @chmod000
- | he/they
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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- @ARobillard
- | He/Him
A conservation data scientist and field ecologist with broad interest in the application of machine learning and population genetics to the conservation of threatened species. Alex has conducted field studies throughout central and south America, the Caribbean, and North America.
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St. Lawrence University
Professor of Biology at St. Lawrence University
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- 2 Discussions
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- @SamuelHertz
- | He/Him/His
I'm a PhD researcher at Royal Holloway University of London (Centre for GeoHumanities) researching modalities of sound-sensing technologies across climate and conservation sciences. Interested in ethics and histories of acoustic monitoring as well as new visualization methods.
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- 3 Discussions
- 10 Groups
- @AliceMuller
- | she/her
I am an environmental scientist working in international community development and community led ecosystem restoration
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- 1 Groups
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- 4 Groups
- @EliThore
- | He/Him
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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- 5 Groups
- @Theresa
- | she/her/hers
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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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- 2 Discussions
- 2 Groups
- @Iniunam
- | He
Conservation Biologist, Data Analyst and Bioacoustics enthusiast
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Aditya Pal, born in Janakpur, Nepal, received his master’s degree in Zoology from Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal in 2019. His master’s thesis is in wetland birds of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. At present, he is working as a Research assistant at Hima
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Last month, the 2018 Ecoacoustics Congress was held in Brisbane. Bringing together scientists, natural resource managers, industry and artists, participants explored the ways that sound can deepen our understanding of...
25 July 2018
This latest chapter in the Conservation Technology Series from WWF-UK looks at the opportunities, challenges and state-of-the-art of satellite remote sensing for conservation applications. This issue reviews available...
23 April 2018
Hundreds of people joined our #Tech4Wildlife photo challenge this year, showcasing all the incredible ways tech is being used to support wildlife conservation. We've seen proximity loggers on Tasmanian Devils in...
3 March 2018
Our panel of international experts has been hard at work reviewing the 47 proposals we recieved for innovative technological tools to address human wildlife conflict. The panelists have systematically been assessing the...
20 October 2017
The inherent complexity of not only deploying technologies in the field but also doing so in a scientifically rigorous manner can prove a substantial barrier for the effective use of conservation technologies, and clear...
11 October 2017
Its been a busy couple of months for the Open Acoustic Devices team. They've just returned back from Belize where they have been trialling the new AudioMoth design for gunshot detection. Find out what they've been up to...
27 June 2017
Are you ready for this year's #Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge? In anticipation, we're counting down our ten favourite entries from last year. Do you think you can top these?
1 March 2017
The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) is a training and capacity building programme that targets individuals from developing countries who are early in their conservation career and demonstrate leadership...
21 November 2016
Do you work on conserving Neotropical migratory birds? Do you need funding? Why not apply for a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act's grant program? The...
8 November 2016
Caves don't tend to be well-liked ecosystems, being extremely dark, often quite cramped, and slippery. And the creepy-crawlies that live within them can be the stuff of nightmares. Nevertheless, one's attitude towards...
25 July 2016
More than half of all primate species are endangered, including our closest living relative, the chimpanzee. Could Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) be applied to primates as well as it has been for other taxa? In this...
29 June 2016
Since 2013, volunteer citizen scientists taking part in the Norfolk Bat Survey have generated over 1.2 million bat recordings, making this one of the most extensive high-quality datasets for bats collected by citizen...
5 February 2016
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43 Products
Recently updated products
Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
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If you search Digikey for a 'strain relief' you should be able to find a rubber grommet that will hold that mic without any additional machining. A blob of silicone will adhesive... |
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Acoustics | 2 hours 56 minutes ago | |
Hello everyone, We are in the process of developing a new MSc in Conservation Technology at my university and would welcome your... |
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Build Your Own Data Logger Community, AI for Conservation, Autonomous Camera Traps for Insects, Biologging, Camera Traps, Citizen Science, Climate Change, Acoustics, Community Base, Connectivity, Conservation Dogs, Conservation Tech Training and Education, Data management and processing tools, Drones, Early Career, Earth Observation 101 Community, East Africa Community, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech, Ending Wildlife Trafficking Online, Ethics of Conservation Tech, Footprint Identification Technique (FIT), Human-Wildlife Conflict, Marine Conservation, Open Source Solutions, Protected Area Management Tools, Remote Sensing & GIS, Sensors, Software and Mobile Apps, Sustainable Fishing Challenges, Wildlife Crime, Women in Conservation Tech Programme (WiCT) | 5 hours 4 minutes ago | |
Thanks Carly! I had reviewed some of the help files, but clearly not the right ones!My email is [email protected] |
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Acoustics, Software and Mobile Apps | 22 hours 32 minutes ago | |
Hi Tabitha, What recording settings were you using when you saw these differences? I've measured the consumption across some different firmware versions and I can't see any... |
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Acoustics | 5 days 9 hours ago | |
Wow.. Really exciting to see this effort. Congratulations on the award!I have been interested in this subject for a long time, as we have elephant-human conflicts in plenty in... |
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Acoustics | 1 week 3 days ago | |
Hello!Long time, no update. @StephODonnell suggested I post here with my thesis and some reflections. ---------------------------------------------------------TL;DR... |
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Acoustics | 2 weeks 6 days ago | |
I think I've landed on the Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter Mini Bat 2 for now, but I'm definitely interested to see how this cheaper tech progresses |
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Acoustics | 2 weeks 6 days ago | |
Hi Jesse,For a material to be acoustically transparent (in air), the speed of sound in the material times its density must match that of air. Realistically, any solid... |
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Acoustics, Biologging | 3 weeks ago | |
Hi Steph, We appreciate the support! Thanks for the tag and your help managing the community!Patrick |
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Sensors, Acoustics, Conservation Dogs, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions | 3 weeks ago | |
Hi Sol,If the maximum depth is 30m, it would be worth experimenting with HydroMoth in this application especially if the deployment time is short. As Matt says, the air-filed case... |
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Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Data management and processing tools, Emerging Tech, Sustainable Fishing Challenges | 3 weeks ago | |
Oh wow, thank you so much!!!I will keep that four advices in mind! |
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Acoustics | 3 weeks 1 day ago | |
You won't get any audio if you don't allow enough time for the hydromoth/audiomoth to write. So when you do a continuous recording you need to experiment a little. I'm sure there... |
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Acoustics | 3 weeks 2 days ago |
AudioMoth Water Resistant Case Design
26 July 2018 8:16am
23 August 2019 8:21am
Hi - I'm down to three sheets - the usable area is 12cm by 12 cm - I did post some cloth to the US and the total price was under $5USD which I think would be 80-100 Peso but equally happy to send to your friend. Email me [email protected] and we can sort out fine details - one thing is I'm away from home till early september. so couldn't send till then and the UK-Mexico post take about 5 days. Best Wishes - David Brown
10 August 2020 10:23pm
Hello to you all, I hope everyone is doing ok during this Covid-19 contingency.
Jsut sharing this adaptation for the water proof case for the Audio Moth.
https://www.tetrixecology.com/single-post/Developing-an-Enclosure-for-the-AudioMoth-Acoustic-Logger---Part-1
How do I build bespoke conservation technology?
20 July 2020 12:00am
Help with analysing bat recordings from Audiomoth
24 June 2020 12:47pm
9 July 2020 4:39pm
Johnnie, Hope you got on OK. If you need some data analysing I could help out if needed? Let me know on here - or email me a WeTransfer with some wav files?
Thanks, Carlos
14 July 2020 5:20pm
Hi Carlos
Thank you for your message. I would quite like to send you some files. What's the best email address to send them to?
Thanks
Johnnie
15 July 2020 11:08am
Tech Tutors: How do I scale up acoustic surveys with Audiomoths and automated processing?
8 July 2020 10:33pm
9 July 2020 6:11pm
Hi everyone,
Thanks for attending today's episode! You can find all of the collaborative notes at the link below, and we also encourage you to use this thread to connect and collaborate with the people you met in the chat.
https://notes.datawrapper.de/p/Tech_Tutors_Episode_4
We'll be posting the video and slides here tomorrow.
And as always, please use this thread to ask any follow-up questions you have for Tessa and the acoustic monitoring community!
-Ellie
Tech Tutors: How do I perform automated recordings of bird assemblages?
1 July 2020 10:44pm
8 July 2020 10:28pm
Hi everyone,
If anyone is looking for the episode's collaborative notes, you can find them here:
https://notes.datawrapper.de/p/Tech_Tutors_Episode_3
This doc features all the questions asked in this episode, as well as additional resources, participant introductions, and other helpful links.
-Ellie
Competition: Cornell Birdcall Identification
8 July 2020 12:00am
List of bioacoustics software
1 July 2020 3:23pm
How do I scale up acoustic surveys with Audiomoths?
25 June 2020 12:00am
How do I perform automated recordings of bird assemblages?
19 June 2020 12:00am
Seeking feedback: draft principles for responsible use of conservation surveillance technology
9 June 2020 6:29pm
How do I train my first machine learning model?
9 June 2020 12:00am
How are you using your Audiomoth?
14 September 2018 10:31am
25 September 2018 8:08pm
I'm in North Somerset UK and have two AudioMoths. I've adapted some waterproof cases which also can be locked and strapped onto a tree etc using a python cable. This allow me to use them safely in semi-public spaces. My interst is surveying for bats and recording them with the land owners. I got interested in having a recorder, when helping to trap for nathusius' pipistrelle on a site I've know for 10 years - and just because I was out later than I normally survey we found not only nathusius' pipistrelle but a passing Lesser Horseshoe on my Petterson M500usb - so I decided to get some AudioMoths and play!
My Website is here
26 November 2018 10:40am
As well as the points highlighted by Steph, Open Acoustic Devices are also running an online survey to capture the use of AudioMoth. To evaluate the global impact of open-source conservation technology, it is important to know how the technology is being used. This survey will go towards a human-computer interaction study into the usability of tech in conservation, and also used to evaluate the global impact of open-source conservation technology. AudioMoth is being used as a case study to identify best practises for open-source conservation technology development and accessibility.
It would be great to keep sharing your experiences on this thread and if you have time here with our online survey.
22 May 2020 7:32am
How do we get notified for the next group buy?
standards
21 May 2020 9:39pm
WILDLABS Tech Tutors: Season One
19 May 2020 12:00am
Audiograms- the range species can hear at
11 March 2020 11:50am
19 April 2020 8:07pm
I'm a primatologist so can't say too much about other mammal taxa, but I believe this is the most comprehensive resource for primate audiograms--
Coleman, M. N. (2009). What do primates hear? A meta-analysis of all known nonhuman primate behavioral audiograms. International Journal of Primatology, 30(1), 55-91.
7 May 2020 9:47am
Hi Isla,
Range at which animals hear sounds depend on 4 things:
1) the frequency (pitch) of the sound of interest. As a rule of thumb, lower frequency sounds travel farther since high frequency sounds are subject to more absorption transmission losses.
2) the medium in which the sound is being transmitted in (i.e. sound travels at ~1500m/s in seawater and ~340m/s in air).
3) the audiogram of the animal (i.e. what frequencies CAN they hear), which Carly is referring to in the previous comment.
There has been a lot of audiogram research on marine mammals. Find an overview and links to a handful of publications here: https://dosits.org/animals/effects-of-sound/measure-marine-mammals-reaction-to-sound/hearing-sensitivity-studies/ . This has also recently been explored in diving seabirds from SDU (university of southern denmark).
and
4) the noise levels in the environment, as sounds can only be distinguished if they have some decent signal-to-noise ratio.
If you have any specific more questions, get in touch.
Cheers,
Chloe
Any here used Cornell's Swift Recorder?
13 April 2020 4:33am
28 April 2020 4:51pm
Hi Daniella,
Yes, I have used SWIFT, SongMeter SM4, and Audiomoths. I find Swift to be the most energy efficient. They are also very affordable. Currently, they are my number one choice. In reality, however, I would say that whether you use Swift over other sensors, particularly Audiomoths, would depend on the type of study you want to do and how often you can get to the sensors to replace batteries. Happy to talk about cons and pros if you want. Just send me an email here: [email protected].
Cheers,
David
6 May 2020 8:13am
Hello Daniella,
We, WCS Mongolia, used lithium batteries for SWIFT recorders, the most of them still working in until now, since the last August.
At the Cornell SAW, they said alkanium battery will be working 27-44 days, and it depends on configuration sample rate.
We are configured 8K for sampling rate, and 24 hours recording.
Thanks,
Ochiroo
6 May 2020 8:22am
We used the following lithium batteries.
URL:
https://fortebattery.en.made-in-china.com/product/FBDEubqyfGhH/China-C-Size-Lithium-Batteries-Cr26500-Cr26500se-Er26500-Er26500m.html
Virtual Meetup Discussion: Acoustic Monitoring
10 March 2020 2:31pm
28 March 2020 8:24am
Hi all,
I missed this, but just watched the virtual meeting recording. Towards the end Stephanie mentioned there were many questions about recording multiple channels for localisation. I hadn't thought there was that much interest in it. Anyway my collaborator/client and I have been working on this off and on and slowly, but she did present some results she got at the recent conference in NZ. If there is any interest I'll see if I can get her to give out her slides or something.
On another tack I'm interested in the experience of anyone who has done gunshot/blast fishing localisation. In particular I'm curious about the algo used for detection and also for localisation. I'm taking the matched filter approach for detection but am now wondering if maybe CNN classification might be better.
Finally I'm interested if anyone has ideas about implementing a LoRa mesh, or knows of a useable mesh layer.
Thanks,
-harold
19 April 2020 8:09pm
Where would I be able to find the recording of this virtual meetup? Thanks!
20 April 2020 9:45am
Hi Carly,
The recording + our notes is here:
WILDLABS Virtual Meetup - Acoustic Monitoring
We also keep an archive of all past meetups here:
https://www.wildlabs.net/virtual-meetups
Steph
WILDLABS Community Call Recording: Rainforest X-PRIZE
30 March 2020 12:00am
Acoustic monitiring virtual meetup recording
27 March 2020 10:14am
Prior work on Bird Flock identification
22 March 2020 9:44am
23 March 2020 9:01pm
Hi Andrew,
Dan here—I'm one of the authors of the TinyML book! I love your Withymbe project; I've previously done work involving embedded systems and insects, and it's interesting to hear about your plans for bird flocks.
As long as you have sufficient data, you should be able to identify different bird sounds and discern them from background noise. The TinyML book has a chapter that introduces the underlying techniques, and I'd also recommend taking a look at www.edgeimpulse.com - we've built a set of tools designed to make it easy to train these types of models.
We actually recently published a tutorial on Wildlabs about this very concept:
https://www.wildlabs.net/resources/case-studies/tutorial-train-tinyml-model-can-recognize-sounds-using-only-23-kb-ram
I'm always excited to learn about new applications; feel free to reach out if there's any way we can help. I'm [email protected].
Warmly,
Dan
24 March 2020 3:49am
Just guessing but I don't think it will make much of a difference, individual or flock. The spectrogramme will look much the same, and I think that is used as the input vector to the CNN. If so then I would expect the model will be quite tolerant of flock size. Just spitballing here though.
24 March 2020 7:23am
Hi Harold!
Great to know you are in the domain. To be honest my analysis so far indicates that when conducting a DSP approach on the spectrum, smoothing via convolution becomes an issue? Basically, the raw spectrum is too jagged to match, so one convolves it to smooth it, but then one just gets a generic "noise"-shaped spectrum. I also have variances in sampled spectra from the same source recording? I am using an fs=44100 and a spectrum 0 - 64kHz initially, or though I tried to filter from 100 - 9k with little success?
My design outline is: I need to identify the presence of a flock of a certain species of avians, I need to know when the flock is not present, and I need to distinguish the presence of other flocks of birds, not to identify them, but they are sometimes similar in size and possibly, therefore, call range? A sort of "We - Not We" approach?
I am comparing the gestalt sound, not individual calls?
Plus: I am using a Rapsberry Pi for the Fog Node currently, but see that I can use my Arduino Uno for TinyML from the examples which use a Nano? I am interested in the power-saving, but need a robust microphone rig, which I currently get via usb?
I will checkout your tutorial, many thanks!
Tally ho!
Andrew.
Virtual Field Trip: Conservation Technology with Shah Selbe
24 March 2020 12:00am
Enter the Zooniverse: Try Citizen Science for Yourself!
18 March 2020 12:00am
Tutorial: Train a TinyML Model That Can Recognize Sounds Using Only 23 kB of RAM
16 March 2020 12:00am
Success recording bees using AudioMoth
7 July 2019 6:45pm
11 March 2020 11:16am
How can we learn more about your BEESWAX7 buzz identification and counting program, and discuss working together?
#Tech4Wildlife 2020 Photo Challenge In Review
4 March 2020 12:00am
Listening to Nature: The Emerging Field of Bioacoustics
24 February 2020 12:00am
Workshop: Using Bioacoustics for Field Survey
20 February 2020 12:00am
ICEI2020: 11th International Conference on Ecological Informatics
14 February 2020 12:00am
WILDLABS Virtual Meetup Recording: Acoustic Monitoring
5 February 2020 12:00am
Acoustic Telemetry Workshop Series
19 December 2019 12:00am
22 August 2019 6:50pm
Hi, do you still have some left overs of hyrdrophobic cloth? I'm currently in Mexico but a friend of mine is in UK so she can bring them to me. Thank you so much.