Wilder Sensing featured on The Biological Recording Company’s recent webinar, ‘Can Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Birds Replace Site Surveys?’.
To kick things off, our CEO, Geoff Carss, gave a thorough overview of Wilder Sensing, exploring the benefits of utilising bioacoustics, whilst also being transparent on the current limitations of the technology. This was followed by a deeper-dive into the practicalities of using the technology as an Ecologist by Kate Downes, an Ecologist at Ethos Environmental Planning and Wilder Sensing client.
To watch the Webinar back without adverts, use Vimeo Part 1: Link and Vimeo Part 2: Link. To watch on YouTube, use YouTube Part 1: Link and YouTube Part 2: Link
Survey planning for bird acoustic monitoring involves determining recorder placement, sampling frequency, and deploying multiple passive audio recorders per site. The Wilder Sensing platforms can analyse an hour-long file in just 30 seconds, identifying species quickly. Some of our sites have now recorded over two million species data points.
Biodiversity measurement through sound relies on recording latitude and longitude and using sonogram analysis to match sounds against a reference library. To reduce false positives, selecting the right filters is crucial. Detection confidence is typically set at 85%, prioritising data quality. Location probability is also considered, assessing how likely a species is to be present at a specific time of year.
Kate and the Ethos team have been using Wilder Sensing for acoustic monitoring for the past 12 months on 5 sites ranging from 5- 53 Ha in size. Each site has a minimum of 2 recorders. Over the past 12 months, Wilder Sensing has identified 66 bird species compared to the 57 identified by in-person Ecologists.
Unlike traditional surveys, acoustic monitoring is less subjective, providing repeatable and standardised data collection that ensures robust results which can be audited. It also minimises disturbance, improving the detection of cryptic species while reducing the need for night work, therefore maximising safety. It is less labour-intensive, requiring only one person to manage the recorders, and can be conducted in all weather conditions, making it a practical and efficient tool for wildlife research.
In summary, Kate recommends that Wilder Sensing recording devices can be useful for Ecologists surveying several site types, including arable and solar sites, where their ability to monitor biodiversity can provide valuable insights. They are particularly useful for tracking Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and are ideal for long-term monitoring required as a planning condition for site restoration. These devices offer an efficient and reliable way to collect essential ecological data in diverse environments.
If you have any questions following the Webinar or would like to book a demo with us, please reach out at info@wildersensing.com
