Introduction to Wildlife Bioacoustics
- Start Date: March 03, 2020
- End Date: March 05, 2020
- Time: varies, see schedule
- City: Revelstoke, BC
- Venue: Revelstoke School District 19 Board Room, 501 11 St, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0
- Instructor: Tyne Baker
- Next course: May 2024, https://cmiae.org/event/wildlife-bioacoustics-a-hands-on-introduction/
Course Description
Automated recording technology and software has grown immensely in usability and popularity in the last decade. Many biologists are attracted to the technology by potential for increased data capture, reduced logistical cost, reduced observer effect, opportunity to revisit field data and increased safety in remote areas or during nighttime surveys. Even with the recent improvements, bioacoustical surveys can seem intimidating with the initial cost of purchase and potential for recording failure. The main goal of this course is to provide attendees with hands-on knowledge of available technology, techniques, and assessment capabilities so they can confidently make decisions on when and how to implement bioacoustical surveys for vocal terrestrial species (birds, anurans, and mammals including bats).
This course includes information about legislation in BC that affects survey planning and execution, as well as techniques for higher-level analysis.
This is a 3-day course in a conference room setting. There is no field component, however, there is plenty of opportunity to get hands-on with devices and software. We also discuss field placement and planning as well as troubleshooting so students are prepared to make decisions in-the-field.
A course outline is available upon request, email us at office@cmiae.org
Schedule:
Tue March 3, 9am-5pm
Wed March 4, 8:30am-4:30pm
Thu March 5, 8:30am-4:30pm
Our Instructor
Tyne Baker, M.Sc. P.Biol, has been digitally eavesdropping on animals for over 10 years. Her Masters from the University of Windsor focused on Animal Communication and Behavioural Ecology. Through her career Tyne has developed acoustic monitoring programs for academics, NGOs and industry with projects ranging from local (western Canada) to international. Tyne has taught students, academics, consultants, regulators and other professional biologists how to understand and effectively use audio and visual technology on their own projects. As the owner of A/Vian Ecological Consulting her primary goal is to help organizations implement remote audio/visual detection technology in a scientifically rigorous and practical way to improve data collection, spatial and temporal coverage, surveyor safety, and logistical costs.
You can reach Tyne at tyne.baker@avianeco.com
Preparation and what to bring
Participants are required to bring their own laptop, charging cable, and headphones. Some basic knowledge or experience in auditory detection of animals (eg. point counts, amphibian surveys) is helpful but not required.
Prior to the course participants should download the following free software:
- Audacity from https://www.audacityteam.org/download/
- Song Meter SM4 Configurator from https://www.wildlifeacoustics.com/download/song-meter-configurators
- AudioMoth Configuration App, you need the first in the list of apps called the “AudioMoth Configuration App” from https://www.openacousticdevices.info/config
What is included in this course?
- Datasets and equipment (SM4FSBat, AudioMoth, SPL meter, multimeter, etc.) will be provided by the instructor for use during practical demonstrations.
- After completion participants will receive course notes including an annotated bibliography and glossary of terms. This includes references for all concepts reviewed, regulations and guidelines, and acoustic sample databases to assist them in future projects.
- If you wish to reference your own data or have questions about specific equipment please contact the instructor in advance so we can ensure these are accommodated.
Who should take this course?
This course is designed for professional biologists with varying levels of experience (e.g. consulting, project management, conservation NGOs), industrial project managers or environmental specialists (e.g. oil and gas, mining, wind power), regulators, academics and students and junior biologists looking to gain unique skills for their resume.
Registration
Registration for this course will include catered breaks and an option to add bagged lunches. CMI memberships may be purchased upon registration – read more about CMI membership here.
Members: $270
Non-members: $315
Registration now closed
Where to stay?
We have set up a room-block at the Stoke Hotel with a special room rate of $109.99 + tax / night, includes continental breakfast, and new outdoor hot tub. Rooms held as long as their is availability so be sure to book your room ASAP as February is a very busy time of year in Revelstoke. To receive this rate you must call the hotel directly at 1-877-837-5221 and state that you are with the “CMI group.” This hotel is located across on the west side of the highway but is still an easy walking distance to the college. Ask them to direct you to the river-side path that will take you under the highway bridge.
