Abstract:
Passive acoustic recorders have emerged as powerful tools for ecological monitoring. However, effective monitoring is not simply an act of recording sounds.
To have meaning for conservation and management, acoustic monitoring
needs to be properly planned and analyzed to yield high quality information.
Here, we provide a set of considerations for the design of an effective acoustic
monitoring program. We argue that such a program, has the following attributes: (1) has established appropriate partnerships with landowners, Traditional Owners, researchers, or other relevant stakeholders, (2) is based on clear
objectives and questions, (3) is explicit in its target sound signals, (4) has considered in-field sensor placement for a range of factors, including experimental
design, statistical power, background noise, and potential impacts on human
privacy and animal disturbance, (5) has a justified recording schedule and periodicity, (6) has methods to process sound data in line with objectives, and
(7) has protocols for permanent data storage and access. Acoustic monitoring
is increasingly used in large-scale programs and will be important in addressing global biodiversity targets and new biodiversity markets. It is critical that
new monitoring programs are designed to effectively and efficiently capture
data that address pertinent and emerging issues in conservation.
