Acoustic Monitoring Techniques, Key Features, Applications and Advantages

Context: Kaziranga National Park conducted its first-ever Grassland Bird Census using acoustic monitoring techniques.

Acoustic Monitoring Techniques

Acoustic Monitoring Techniques is a non-invasive technique that uses sound-recording devices to capture and analyse animal vocalisations for studying biodiversity, behaviour, and ecological health.

Key Features

• Passive Monitoring: Devices are placed in target habitats to continuously record ambient sounds.
• Non-intrusive: Ideal for studying elusive, nocturnal, or camouflaged species without disturbing them.
• Data-Rich: Generates vast audio data for analysis of species presence, abundance, and activity patterns.

Technology Used

• Autonomous Acoustic Recorders: Deployed in field locations.
• Spectrograms: Visual representation of sound frequencies over time.
• AI/ML Tools: Software like BirdNET, Raven Pro, etc., help in identifying species based on sound patterns.

Applications

• Biodiversity Surveys: Used for bird, amphibian, and bat population studies.
• Conservation Efforts: Helps track endangered species and ecosystem health.
• Habitat Monitoring: Monitors seasonal and long-term ecological changes.
• Illegal Activity Detection: Detects gunshots, chainsaws—useful in anti-poaching surveillance.

Advantages

• Suitable for remote or dense habitats.
• Works day and night, under most weather conditions.
• Minimises human bias in observation.

Limitations

• Requires high storage and power.
• Processing and analysing audio data is time-consuming.
• Overlapping calls or background noise can hinder species identification.

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