AudioMoth: A low-cost acoustic device for monitoring biodiversity and the environment

HardwareX, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 6, P. e00073 - e00073

Published: July 17, 2019

Environmental sound is a powerful data source for investigating ecosystem health. To capture it, scientists commonly use ruggedized, but expensive acoustic monitoring equipment. In this paper we fully describe the hardware build of low-cost, small, full-spectrum alternative, called AudioMoth. The credit-card sized device consists printed circuit board, micro-controller and micro-electro-mechanical systems microphone. This simple to construct facilitates: (1) deployments in remote locations, with small size mechanism that allows it be retrofitted into numerous low-cost ruggedized enclosures; (2) long-term monitoring, low-power operation; (3) modular expansion, easy access general purpose input output pins; (4) detection, onboard processing power.

Language: Английский

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Autonomous sound recording outperforms human observation for sampling birds: a systematic map and user guide

Ecological Applications, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 29(6)

Published: June 17, 2019

Abstract Autonomous sound recording techniques have gained considerable traction in the last decade, but question remains whether they can replace human observation surveys to sample sonant animals. For birds particular, survey methods been tested extensively using point counts and surveys. Here, we review latest evidence for this taxon within frame of a systematic map. We compare sampling effectiveness these two methods, output variables produce, their practicality. When assessed against standard counts, autonomous proves be powerful tool that samples at least as many species. This technology monitor an exhaustive, standardized, verifiable way. Moreover, recorders give access entire soundscapes from which new data types derived (vocal activity, acoustic indices). Variables such abundance, density, occupancy, or species richness obtained yield sets are comparable compatible with counts. Finally, allow investigations high temporal spatial resolution coverage, more cost effective cannot achieved by observations alone, even though small‐scale studies might when carried out Sound deployed places, scalable reliable, making them better choice bird increasingly data‐driven time. provide overview currently available discuss specifications guide future study designs.

Language: Английский

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Passive acoustic monitoring provides a fresh perspective on fundamental ecological questions

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 37(4), P. 959 - 975

Published: Jan. 20, 2023

Abstract Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) has emerged as a transformative tool for applied ecology, conservation and biodiversity monitoring, but its potential contribution to fundamental ecology is less often discussed, PAM studies tend be descriptive, rather than mechanistic. Here, we chart the most promising directions ecologists wishing use suite of currently available methods address long‐standing questions in explore new avenues research. In both terrestrial aquatic habitats, provides an opportunity ask across multiple spatial scales at fine temporal resolution, capture phenomena or species that are difficult observe. combination with traditional approaches data collection, could release from myriad limitations have, times, precluded mechanistic understanding. We discuss several case demonstrate estimation, population trend analysis, assessing climate change impacts on phenology distribution, understanding disturbance recovery dynamics. also highlight what horizon PAM, terms near‐future technological methodological developments have provide advances coming years. Overall, illustrate how can harness power ecological era no longer characterised by limitation. Read free Plain Language Summary this article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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Using acoustic indices in ecology: Guidance on study design, analyses and interpretation

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(9), P. 2192 - 2204

Published: Aug. 10, 2023

Abstract The rise of passive acoustic monitoring and the rapid growth in large audio datasets is driving development analysis methods that allow ecological inferences to be drawn from data. Acoustic indices are currently one most widely applied tools ecoacoustics. These numerical summaries sound energy contained digital recordings relatively straightforward fast calculate but can challenging interpret. Misapplication misinterpretation have produced conflicting results led some question their value. To encourage better use indices, we provide nine points guidance support good study design, interpretation. We offer practical recommendations for both whole soundscapes individual taxa species, point emerging trends ecoacoustic analysis. In particular, highlight critical importance understanding links between soundscape patterns indices. insights into state organisms, populations, ecosystems, complementing other research techniques. Judicious selection, appropriate application thorough interpretation existing vital bolster robust developments ecoacoustics biodiversity monitoring, conservation future research.

Language: Английский

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Automated bioacoustics: methods in ecology and conservation and their potential for animal welfare monitoring

Journal of The Royal Society Interface, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 16(155), P. 20190225 - 20190225

Published: June 1, 2019

Vocalizations carry emotional, physiological and individual information. This suggests that they may serve as potentially useful indicators for inferring animal welfare. At the same time, automated methods analysing classifying sound have developed rapidly, particularly in fields of ecology, conservation scene classification. These are already used to automatically classify vocalizations, example, identifying species estimating numbers individuals. Despite this potential, not yet found widespread application welfare monitoring. In review, we first discuss current trends analysis Following this, detail vocalizations produced by three most important farm livestock species: chickens ( Gallus gallus domesticus), pigs Sus scrofa domesticus) cattle Bos taurus). Finally, describe how these can be applied monitor with new potential developing large-scale farming.

Language: Английский

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A roadmap for survey designs in terrestrial acoustic monitoring

Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 6(3), P. 220 - 235

Published: Nov. 13, 2019

Abstract Passive acoustic monitoring ( PAM ) is increasingly popular in ecological research and conservation programs, with high‐volume long‐term data collection provided by automatized sensors offering unprecedented opportunities for faunal ecosystem surveys. Practitioners newcomers interested can easily find technical specifications microphones, but guidelines on how to plan survey designs are largely scattered over the literature. Here, we (i) review spatial temporal sampling used passive monitoring, (ii) provide a synthesis of crucial aspects design (iii) propose workflow optimize recording autonomy schedules. From 1992 2018, most 460 studies applying terrestrial environments have single recorder per site, covered broad scales rotated recorders between sites effort. Continuous specific diel periods was main procedure used. When schedules were applied, larger number recordings hour generally associated smaller length. For design, proposed estimate memory/battery costs, assess signal detectability order recover maximum biological information evaluate cost‐benefit scenarios effort budget address potential biases from given design. Establishing standards will improve quality inferences scope promote essential standardization cross‐scale understand biodiversity trends changing world.

Language: Английский

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The sound of a tropical forest

Science, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 363(6422), P. 28 - 29

Published: Jan. 4, 2019

Recording of forest soundscapes can help monitor animal biodiversity for conservation

Language: Английский

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Acoustic indices perform better when applied at ecologically meaningful time and frequency scales

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 12(3), P. 421 - 431

Published: Oct. 30, 2020

Abstract Acoustic indices are increasingly employed in the analysis of soundscapes to ascertain biodiversity value. However, conflicting results and lack consensus on best practices for their usage has hindered application conservation land‐use management contexts. Here we propose that sensitivity acoustic ecological change fidelity communities negatively impacted by signal masking. Signal masking can occur when responses taxa sensitive effect interest masked less‐sensitive groups, or target sonification is non‐target noise. We argue calculating at ecologically appropriate time frequency bins, effects be reduced efficacy increased. test this a large dataset collected Eastern Amazonia spanning disturbance gradient undisturbed, logged, burned, logged‐and‐burned secondary forests. calculated values two indices: Complexity Index Bioacoustic Index, across entire spectrum (0–22.1 kHz), four narrower subsets spectrum; dawn, day, dusk night. show impact forest classes. Calculating range time–frequency bins substantially increases classification accuracy classes random models. Furthermore, led misleading correlations, including spurious inverse between indicator metrics index compared correlations derived from manual sampling audio data. Consequently, recommend either single narrow bin, predetermined priori understanding soundscape.

Language: Английский

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Methods for wildlife monitoring in tropical forests: Comparing human observations, camera traps, and passive acoustic sensors

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 3(12)

Published: Nov. 2, 2021

Abstract Wildlife monitoring is essential for conservation science and data‐driven decision‐making. Tropical forests pose a particularly challenging environment wildlife due to the dense vegetation, diverse cryptic species with relatively low abundances. The most commonly used methods in tropical are observations made by humans (visual or acoustic), camera traps, passive acoustic sensors. These come trade‐offs terms of coverage, accuracy precision population metrics, available technical expertise, costs. Yet, there no reviews that compare characteristics these detail. Here, we comprehensively review advantages limitations three mentioned methods, asking four key questions always important relation monitoring: (1) What target species?; (2) Which metrics desirable attainable?; (3) tools, effort required identification?; (4) financial human resources data collection processing? Given diversity objectives circumstances, do not aim conclusively prescribe particular all situations. Neither claim any one method superior others. Rather, our aims support scientists practitioners understanding options criteria must be considered choosing appropriate method, given their efforts available. We focus on because high priority, although information put forward also relevant other biomes.

Language: Английский

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The Present and Future of Insect Biodiversity Conservation in the Neotropics: Policy Gaps and Recommendations

Neotropical Entomology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 52(3), P. 407 - 421

Published: March 14, 2023

Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that insect populations may be declining at local and global scales, threatening the sustainability of ecosystem services insects provide. Insect declines are particular concern in Neotropics, which holds several world’s hotspots endemism diversity. Conservation policies one way to prevent mitigate declines, yet these usually biased toward vertebrate species. Here, we outline some key policy instruments for biodiversity conservation Neotropics discuss their potential contribution shortcomings conservation. These include species-specific action policies, protected areas Indigenous Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs), sectoral offsetting, market-based mechanisms, international underpin efforts. We highlight although can potentially benefit indirectly, there avenues could better incorporate specific needs into mentioned above. propose improvement. Firstly, evaluating extinction risk more Neotropical target at-risk species with conserve habitats within area-based interventions. Secondly, alternative pest control methods enhanced monitoring a range land-based production sectors. Thirdly, incorporating measurable achievable targets conventions. Finally, emphasise important roles community engagement public awareness achieving improvements policies.

Language: Английский

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