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African Bioacoustics Community Conference

Registration is now open to attend this year's virtual African Bioacoustics Community Conference, taking place November 2nd - 5th! Created to provide a networking forum for people working on all aspects of bioacoustic research in Africa, this conference will allow scientists from the underrepresented African bioacoustics community to connect and learn from each other, and shine a light on the achievements of science in Africa. Registration is open to all, and registrants from developing nations will receive a special fee discount. Students may also apply by September 20th to receive funding to attend.  See the full conference schedule and registration details here!

Online Event

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The Conference:

In light of the global COVID-19 crisis, the ABC organization committee has decided to push forward with a hybrid conference, moving all presentations to an online space with an option of attending in-person in accordance with governmental restrictions. Through this decision, we hope to be more inclusive and to ensure the health and safety of all of our delegates! We are offering the same great opportunities to participate in the African Bioacoustics Community Conference, without the need to travel.

We sincerely hope that you will join us!

The 2020 African Bioacoustics Community conference will build on the success of the first conference held in 2018, provide opportunities to present your research, learn from some of the best in the field and network with other researchers working on bioacoustic projects within Africa.​

Find the full advert here.

Important Dates:

Close of Presentor Registration: Wednesday, 30th September 2020

Close of General Registration: Wednesday, 21st October 2020

Special Sessions and Workshops: 

The Hearing of Harms: Acoustic Monitoring for the Prevention of Illegal Activity

In many parts of Africa, and globally, illegal activity runs rampant, especially in natural areas. Animal poaching, wildlife capture for illegal trade, illegal logging in rain forests, dumping of waste, and many more. In far removed and remote areas, these crimes often go unnoticed until it’s too late. However, in some cases, listening in can provide a lifeline. Acoustic monitoring has proven to be an effective method of environmental protection. Ever-present ears listen for the sound of chainsaws and gunfire, often reporting the information in real-time to authorities who take action immediately. 

In this special session, we focus on the use of sound to protect animals and biodiversity and the people that make all this happen. Join us as we show a true picture of the vital part that bioacoustics can, and does, play in conservation and preservation.

The Basics of Bioacoustics: Making bioacoustic research a big noise

What is bioacoustics? Why is it important? How can I use it in my research?

Bioacoustics research in Africa, and many other countries around the globe, is a relatively new and unexplored field of science, despite it being a non-invasive and often inexpensive method of data capture. It is a sad reality that few students have little or no experience in bioacoustic research despite keen interest. On the other hand, students might be wrestling with specific issues and need a helping hand yet have no access to a relevant knowledge base.

In this special session, we tackle the ins and outs of bioacoustics research for current or interested students who are keen to learn more. Experts will present basic concepts and applications of acoustic tools. Our aim is to attract students who might be interested in bioacoustic science and to increase accessibility by including a fundamental introduction to the field of bioacoustics. 

Networking is key to the ABC, and as such, this session will also serve to link together students and scientists working on similar topics and help find positive solutions both within the session and through post-conference follow up. 

Turning Sound into Discovery: Using Wildlife Audio Recorders as a Valuable Research Tool

presented by Wildlife Acoustics, Inc.

Biologists all over the world have made the Song Meter platform the standard for bioacoustics recording with over 50,000 recorders deployed in 90 countries.  In this product workshop, the first section will be a hands-on session to teach participants the features and set up of the Song Meter Mini and Mini Bat recorders to monitor for bats, birds, frogs, and other wildlife.   The remainder of the workshop will be a brief overview of the Kaleidoscope Pro software and analyzing biodiversity through sound.

Learn more about the conference schedule and registration here.


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