Audiomoth, an essential tool for detecting birds through their sounds
One of the most exciting technical aspects of the IA4BIRDS project is research into information fusion techniques for the mass storage of bird count and transect data.
In this project, which is coordinated by AIR Institute and funded by Fundación Biodiversidad, the detection of birds through audio will be fundamental, which is why the Audiomoth device has been chosen for a thorough collection of acoustic data aimed at understanding and effectively managing bird populations and their behaviour.
Audiomoth is an audio recording device designed specifically for the detection and monitoring of bird sounds. Its compact size, low power consumption and ability to record autonomously for long periods of time make it a valuable tool among researchers and conservationists. In addition, it is a microphone designed to work unattended and at low cost, so that a grid of microphones can be created to cover a forest area.
Therefore, this device will be essential in the collection of acoustic data to complement the research of the IA4Birds project.
Some of the highlights of the use of Audiomoth in this project are:
Continuous recording: Thanks to its ability to record continuously, Audiomoth will allow to capture bird sounds at different times of the day and night. This is essential to understand bird activity patterns and behaviours throughout the diurnal cycle.
Energy efficiency: Audiomoth's energy efficiency is crucial in long-term projects such as IA4Birds. Its long battery life and ability to run on solar power allows for sustainable and uninterrupted monitoring.
Detection of specific sounds: Audiomoth will be integrated in a tool with advanced artificial intelligence models that can identify and record specific bird sounds. This will lead to accurate and detailed acoustic monitoring of avian populations in the study areas.
Data integration: The data collected by Audiomoth is integrated with other data, such as images and measurements from additional sensors, to create a comprehensive set of information about bird populations and their environment.
The use of Audiomoth in IA4Birds is set to mark a breakthrough in bird research and management, as it will provide a more complete and accurate picture of bird populations and their behaviour, which is essential for making informed decisions in conservation and natural resource management.
IA4Birds aims to use artificial intelligence, in addition to audiovisual devices, to monitor bird populations and thus, through greater knowledge, prevent threats and decide whether or not a site is suitable for the construction of a wind farm. The IA4Birds project, coordinated by the AIR Institute, is supported by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR) funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU.