Alex Wilder, HBSc, MSc
PhD Candidate
Gotanda Lab • Brock University
St. Catharines, Ontario • Canada
Project Location & Description
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo • Calgary, Alberta • Canada
At the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, researchers are tuning into Humboldt penguin calls to better understand how these threatened birds communicate—particularly when it comes to recognizing mates. While avian vocal communication is well-studied in songbirds, penguins remain relatively understudied despite their complex social lives and conservation importance.
This project uses passive acoustic monitoring and video analysis to explore individual vocal repertoires and how penguins may use unique vocal signatures to recognise pair-bonded mates. Recordings will form the foundation for playback experiments, where researchers test behavioural responses to calls from partners, unrelated colony members, and even other species. By combining ethograms and acoustic data, the team hopes to determine whether vocal signals convey individual identity and social information.
The implications go beyond the colony. Findings could improve welfare practices in managed populations by supporting behavioural compatibility during breeding or inter-zoo transfers. Long-term, this research could inform conservation strategies such as translocations or reintroductions, where sensory-based priming—like acoustic cues—helps prepare animals for success in the wild.
This work lays the groundwork for deeper studies of vocal behaviour in penguins and highlights how bioacoustics can support both animal welfare and the conservation of underrepresented species in avian communication research.
Research Bio
Alex Wilder is a PhD candidate in the Gotanda Lab at Brock University, studying how vulnerable species use different signals for communication. She began her research career in 2015 as an undergraduate in the Mennill Lab at the University of Windsor, working on avian bioacoustics and communication projects before completing an honors thesis on primate vocal behaviour. During her master’s, she explored the effects of generational captivity and rearing temperature on brook trout in the Semeniuk Lab. Now, Alex combines her interests in communication, conservation, and managed care to investigate vocal signaling in Humboldt penguins at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
Awarded: 6 Song Meter Mini 2 (AA)
Coen Hird, BSc (Hons), PhD
Associate Lecturer
School of the Environment • University of Queensland
Brisbane, Queensland • Australia
Project Location & Description
Guanaba Indigenous Protected Area (GIPA) • Southeast Queensland • Australia
In the subtropical forests of the Guanaba Indigenous Protected Area (GIPA) in Southeast Queensland, a new collaboration is bringing together Indigenous ecological knowledge, bioacoustic technology, and student researchers to monitor a long-silent species: the endangered Fleay’s Barred Frog (Mixophyes fleayi). Co-designed by Kombumerri Rangers and Wildlife Science students from the University of Queensland, this project aims to re-establish long-term monitoring of a culturally and ecologically significant species, using non-invasive acoustic recorders.
Fleay’s Barred Frog hasn’t been recorded in GIPA for over 20 years. Traditional Western survey methods have proven time-intensive and ineffective, but bioacoustics offers a promising solution. Four Song Meter Mini 2 acoustic recorders will be strategically placed in breeding habitats along Guanaba Creek, guided by Traditional Owners’ knowledge and ecological criteria. Data will be analysed using Kaleidoscope Pro, helping assess frog presence, activity, and habitat use.
This project addresses the urgent need for Indigenous-led conservation by embedding cultural protocols, respecting data sovereignty, and providing hands-on learning for students. Results will guide habitat restoration, inform future conservation strategies, and strengthen Indigenous leadership in environmental stewardship. Even if the target species isn’t detected, the project will enhance understanding of frog communities across GIPA.
Ultimately, this initiative highlights how co-designed, community-led bioacoustic monitoring can revitalize species protection while honoring Indigenous rights and knowledge—offering a replicable model for culturally responsive conservation across Australia and beyond.
Research Bio
Dr. Coen Hird is a Trawlwoolway Pakana from northeast Lutruwita, Tasmania, and an associate lecturer at the University of Queensland. Coen researches and teaches at the intersection of Western and Indigenous sciences, focusing on Indigenous epistemologies, ecological physiology, and conservation biology. His research emphasizes Indigenous priorities in scientific research, highlighting ethical engagement and Indigenous data sovereignty. Coen teaches in the Wildlife Technologies course at the University of Queensland, training third-year Wildlife Science students in bioacoustic monitoring and culturally grounded conservation practices. His co-designed projects with Indigenous Rangers aim to achieve tangible conservation outcomes while respecting Indigenous leadership and sovereignty.
Awarded: 4 Song Meter Mini 2 (Li-ion); 4 acoustic stub mics; 16 battery pairs; 2 Kaleidoscope Pro licenses
Jason Philip Mellos, BS Biology
Science Teacher
Booker T. Washington High School • Marine Science Academy
Pensacola, Florida • United States
Project Location & Description
Coastal Forests • Northern Gulf Coast • Florida • United States
Along the northern Gulf Coast near Pensacola, Florida, coastal forests like pine savannas, oak hammocks, and marshes are home to a rich diversity of wildlife—but for bats, we know surprisingly little. This project aims to change that by using bioacoustic monitoring to identify which bat species use these unique and vulnerable ecosystems.
With support from local partners, the project will deploy Song Meter Mini Bat 2 recorders at sites across the region from July to August. These devices will run nightly, passively recording echolocation calls. Using Kaleidoscope Pro software, researchers and student scientists will analyse the data to identify species and understand habitat use.
In a unique twist, students from Washington High School’s Marine Science Academy and Club will help with fieldwork, gaining hands-on experience in conservation research. Their contributions will not only support species identification but also highlight the importance of coastal habitats and inspire the next generation of conservationists.
Findings will be shared with partners, including Florida State Parks, Sea Grant, and NABat, to inform conservation strategies and land management decisions. As climate change and development continue to threaten coastal areas, this project delivers critical baseline data on bat populations while engaging the community in protecting these often-overlooked species.
Research Bio
Jason Mellos is a science teacher at Booker T. Washington High School Marine Science Academy in Pensacola, Florida. He has a background in field research, initially working in bioacoustics, where he served as the lead on a bat monitoring project. His focus has shifted to water-quality monitoring and fish-capture methods to study local aquatic ecosystems. Jason enjoys giving students hands-on experiences in the field—whether that’s collecting water samples, using scientific equipment, or identifying fish species. His ultimate goal is to help students connect with science and develop research skills through real-world projects.
Awarded: 3 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 (AA); 1 ultrasonic calibrator; 1 Kaleidoscope Pro license
Krystal Athanassiou, BA
Field Supervisor • Ontario Streams
Toronto, Ontario • Canada
Project Location & Description
York Region • Ontario • Canada
As urbanisation and climate change threaten Southern Ontario’s wetlands, monitoring amphibian populations is more critical than ever. In partnership with York Region, environmental charity Ontario Streams will use acoustic monitoring to support long-term conservation in these sensitive habitats.
Project Lead Krystal Athanassiou typically conducts frog call surveys during the spring mating season. But safety concerns—such as denning Black Bears—have limited access to some sites. With grant support, her team will deploy two Song Meter Micro 2 acoustic recorders to safely and non-invasively capture frog calls, even in high-risk areas.
Using Kaleidoscope Pro software, they will analyse species presence and call intensity, focusing on vulnerable species like the Northern Leopard Frog and Western Chorus Frog. The data will inform York Region’s habitat management strategies and trail planning.
Notably, Ontario Streams will use frog call samples in public education efforts, including webinars and outreach materials. Krystal’s project highlights how bioacoustics can enhance wildlife research, public engagement, and on-the-ground conservation efforts.
Research Bio
Krystal Athanassiou earned her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Brock University in Ontario, Canada. Currently, she works as a field supervisor with Ontario Streams, supporting the development and implementation of amphibian monitoring projects, ecosystem restoration initiatives, and community stewardship programs. Krystal believes in using technology for data collection to help protect sensitive wetland ecosystems and ensure the safety and well-being of her colleagues. Her next project will incorporate audio recordings of amphibian calls into educational resources that are accessible to the public, engaging people with Ontario's amphibian species and providing information on how to protect vulnerable wetland ecosystems.
Awarded: 2 Song Meter Micro 2; 1 Kaleidoscope Pro license
Alexander Dibnah, BSc, MSc
PhD Candidate • Centre for Ecosystem Science
School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences
University of New South Wales
Sydney • Australia
Project Location & Description
Myall Lakes National Park • New South Wales • Australia
Researcher Alexander Dibnah's project investigates the social function of howling in wild dingoes (Canis dingo)—Australia’s apex predator—using passive bioacoustic monitoring in Myall Lakes National Park, NSW. While canid howls are known to play vital roles in territory defense and social cohesion, most studies have focused on captive animals or species like wolves. Little is known about the timing, location, and purpose of howling in wild dingoes.
Over two years, passive acoustic recorders will monitor howling across six known dingo packs, comparing acoustic activity between core and peripheral territories, and across breeding, denning, and pup-rearing seasons. Acoustic indices and manual analysis will help assess how howling patterns relate to social and ecological contexts.
Findings will fill a major gap in canid behavioural ecology and support the development of howl-based, non-lethal deterrents for managing human-dingo conflict. By mimicking natural howl patterns, these tools may reduce the need for lethal control and help conserve dingoes’ ecological role in regulating prey and mesopredator populations. This project combines behavioural ecology with applied conservation, offering scalable, evidence-based solutions for coexistence.
Researcher Bio
Alexander James Dibnah is a PhD student at UNSW Sydney, specializing in animal behaviour, communication, and large carnivore conservation. He completed an MSc by Research at the University of Exeter in 2021, where he discovered a “vocalised voting system” in wild jackdaws. From 2022 to 2023, he worked with Botswana Predator Conservation, studying African wild dogs and other large carnivores. In 2024, he began his PhD with support from a University International Postgraduate Award, focusing on dingo communication and non-lethal conflict management. Alex aims to advance understanding of vocal behaviour in carnivores to support conservation strategies globally.
Awarded: 8 Song Meter Mini 2 (AA)
Dr. Nikhil Modak
Associate Professor in Research
Henryk Hoyer Department of Comparative Anatomy
Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research
Jagiellonian University
Kraków • Poland
Project Location & Description
Oświęcim Basin • Vistula River Valley • Poland
Dr. Modak's project investigates the shifting dynamics of Pelophylax frog communities in the fish ponds near Kraków, Poland—specifically focusing on P. ridibundus, P. lessonae, and their hybrid P. esculentus. Traditional monitoring methods in the region have been inconsistent and invasive, leaving major gaps in our understanding of how these species interact, particularly during the breeding season. By deploying Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) across nine sites, this study will non-invasively capture daily and seasonal acoustic patterns, allowing researchers to identify species-specific calls and track community changes over time. This is especially important as P. ridibundus appears to be expanding and potentially displacing the other two species, likely due to habitat changes and regional warming.
Acoustic data will replace labor-intensive surveys and reduce reliance on costly molecular identification, while also enabling long-term, weather-independent monitoring. Findings will provide insight into species dominance, acoustic niche overlap, and hybridization dynamics. Importantly, this is the first study in Poland to use PAM for frog communities and could serve as a model for nationwide monitoring efforts.
Beyond academic value, the results will inform habitat conservation strategies and climate adaptation policies, especially for P. lessonae, whose habitat preferences make it vulnerable to warming and land-use change. This work also offers valuable training opportunities in acoustic monitoring and data analysis for students and researchers alike.
Researcher Bio
Dr. Nikhil Modak is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Jagiellonian University specializing in amphibian systematics, evolutionary biology, community ecology, and acoustic communication. He has extensive field experience in the Western Ghats of India, focusing on anuran biodiversity using camera traps and passive acoustic monitoring. His work combines machine learning, and he is experienced in R programming language, QGIS (for mapping and geospatial analysis), Raven (for analyzing acoustic data), and MAXENT (for species distribution modeling). A member of the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, he has contributed to Red List assessments of Indian amphibians. Currently, he also conducts physiological experiments on anuran tadpoles and supports high-throughput genome analysis.
Awarded: 20 Song Meter Micro 2; 2 Kaleidoscope Pro Licenses
Dr. Mohammed Kasso Geda
Associate Professor of Zoology
Biology Department
College of Natural and Computational Sciences
Hawassa University
Sidama National Regional State • Ethiopia
Project Location & Description
Northern Sidama Zone • Sidama • Ethiopia
Dr. Kasso's project explores the ecological role of bats in the Northern Sidama Zone of southern Ethiopia, a region where agroforestry supports local livelihoods and biodiversity. Bats are vital to these ecosystems, providing pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal services—yet they remain underappreciated and understudied.
Using a combination of passive acoustic monitoring, real-time detection, and mist-netting, Dr. Kasso's team will assess bat activity, diversity, and their relationships with pest populations across different agricultural settings. This data will help identify species most beneficial to farming systems and inform the development of bat-friendly agroforestry practices. The project will also engage local farmers through education and outreach, helping shift perceptions about bats and highlighting their value to agriculture. Community workshops, educational materials, and collaborative discussions will foster stewardship and support for bat conservation.
Findings will inform management strategies, guide sustainable farming practices, and contribute to regional conservation policies. By combining acoustic monitoring with community-based conservation, this project fills a crucial data gap, builds local capacity, and promotes coexistence between bats and people, standing to benefit both biodiversity and agricultural sustainability in the region.
Researcher Bio
Dr. Mohammed Kasso Geda is an Associate Professor of Ecology and Systematic Zoology at Hawassa University, Ethiopia. He specializes in the diversity, conservation, and ecology of small mammals—particularly rodents, shrews, and bats—with over 35 published research articles. His work has enhanced understanding of Ethiopia’s small mammal fauna and informed wildlife habitat protection. Dr. Kasso also studies pest impacts on horticultural crops and post-harvest losses. He actively collaborates with national and international partners and mentors students and early-career researchers. His expertise in highland small mammal ecology positions him to lead impactful bat research with support from Wildlife Acoustics.
Awarded: 2 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 (AA); 2 Song Meter Mini Bat 2 (Li-ion); 2 Mini Bat 2 Accessories; 1 Echo Meter Touch 2; 1 Kaleidoscope Pro License
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