Threatened Species monitoring
Regular monitoring of species across landscapes is critically important to understanding their distributional dynamics, habitat use and geographic range through time. For threatened species, detecting their presence can present unique challenges to conservation assessment and management. In our lab, we use acoustics to verifiably document species presences, improve detectability, and automate the process of species detections across the landscape. This includes the development of species-specific acoustic recognisers (or classifiers) to automate the process of identifying species presences and using this detailed information to improve monitoring methods. We also use acoustic detections to improve our natural history knowledge of the species by documenting seasonal and geographic calling patterns and how they relate to environmental factors.
Plains-wanderer
The critically endangered Plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) is a small, sexually-dimorphic and cryptic ground-dwelling bird restricted to remnant lowland native grasslands in southeastern Australia. The species is endemic to Australia and is the sole representative of its family, Pedionomidae. Large-scale and intensive cultivation has led to a decline in their historical distribution in excess of 93%. Population strongholds remain in the Riverina in NSW and Northern Plains in Victoria.
Females make a unique 'oom' booming call that can be readily identified within audio recordings. Working with state government and local conservation organisations, work in our lab has focused on developing Plains-wanderer recognisers, providing training in their application to field recordings, and documenting spatial and temporal patterns of calling in relation to climate variables. |
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Australasian bittern
The endangered Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) can be found across the Australasian region but primarily within southeastern and southwestern mainland Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. Bitterns live and breed around permanent shallow water bodies, predominately within freshwater wetlands. Reductions in habitat, including draining of suitable wetlands, salinisation, and shifting water regimes are thought to have reduced bittern population numbers, along with other wetland birds. Improved survey methods, including acoustic monitoring, are needed to quantify these declines and establish population trends. We are working with community groups, land management agencies and NGOs to improve acoustic monitoring for Australasian Bitterns. Our work focuses on developing recognisers, training and capacity building and engaging communities to lead acoustic survey efforts.
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