What bioacoustics researchers wish they knew before deploying (PART 1)

Each year, hundreds of scientists submit applications to our Scientific Grant program, and four winners are selected each quarter. These researchers provide regular progress updates and complete a final survey upon concluding their projects. A central question we pose to every participant is: What guidance would you offer others using bioacoustics to address similar research challenges?

Here, we share their collective insights for you to reap the benefits of 20/20 hindsight!
 

1. Plan and research before you deploy.

Most respondents agreed that successful bioacoustics projects depend on careful upfront planning—defining research questions, variables, realistic timelines, and protocols—and learning from previous studies. This provides a solid foundation and proven methodologies for your own project.

“One of the most valuable lessons is to invest sufficient time in designing the experimental framework before data collection begins. Clearly define your research questions, hypotheses, and variables, and ensure that your experimental design directly addresses them.”

“Meticulous planning is crucial for the success of such a project, as the methodology forms the backbone of the research. While some adjustments can be made during the study, the core structure depends heavily on initial planning. Conducting an in-depth literature review is vital to understanding existing studies and identifying methods that can be adapted for your research. For example, in [our study], the Marques density estimation method was applied and customised to meet specific requirements, demonstrating the value of building upon established methodologies rather than starting from scratch.”
 
“Try to conduct hypothesis-driven research where possible. If you plan out what type of data you need to collect to answer your research question and commit to collecting only that data, it will increase your efficiency during data analysis.”
 
“Successful long-term acoustic monitoring requires careful planning at every stage, from study design to data processing. Before deploying acoustic recorders, reviewing existing research helps refine methodologies and strengthen study design. [In our case], previous studies, such as those by Larsen et al. (2022) and Gauthier (2021), provide valuable insights into passive acoustic monitoring of wolves, highlighting best practices and common challenges. Learning from past work allows researchers to improve data collection strategies and avoid potential pitfalls.”

2. Community connections are as important as field skills.

Researchers highlighted the need to build relationships with local communities, landowners, and authorities early to secure permissions and to strengthen the science. Local knowledge can improve recorder placement, reveal important patterns in animal behaviour and land use, protect equipment, and help projects adapt when field conditions become complicated.

“Build relationships with local communities first; they provided security for equipment and shared invaluable knowledge about animal movements. Most critical advice: collaborate with park authorities from the beginning, not just for permits but for their ecological knowledge and logistical support, which proved essential when political tensions arose.”

“Engaging local communities and stakeholders can also enhance project outcomes. Collaborate with farmers, landowners, or conservation organisations to gain insights into the study area, potentially uncovering valuable information about [bird] behaviour, land-use patterns, and ecological dynamics. This collaborative approach fosters a more holistic understanding of the ecosystem under investigation.”

3. Pilot testing can prevent costly field mistakes.

Several researchers emphasized the value of testing equipment, schedules, recorder placement, and analysis workflows before full deployment. Pilot work helps reveal noise issues, logistical problems, battery/card limitations, and whether the methods can actually answer the research question.

“Pilot testing is extremely useful [before data collection begins], as it helps identify unforeseen logistical issues, refine protocols, and confirm that the chosen methods are sensitive enough to detect the question.”

“Start acoustic monitoring before visual surveys to understand activity peaks and optimize field effort. Deploy recorders for a minimum of five consecutive nights, per site, as some species show irregular activity. Create detailed site maps with GPS coordinates and photos because finding recorders in dense forest is challenging.”

4. Know your study subject before choosing your methods.

Understanding the target species’ vocal behaviour, movement patterns, seasonal activity, habitat use, and social habits can dramatically improve the placement of recorders and the design of sampling protocols. One researcher even recommended observing the study system for a year before designing the bioacoustics study.

“[My project] revolves around the stochastic nature of disturbance, and it pays dividends to be prepared. This involves communication with local agencies on any management plans, hydrological data, historical site characteristics, and personnel assistance. Always remember the seasonal changes of the geolocation and expect a high degree of variability. If your objective is to use wildlife as an indicator for specific events, make sure you have all current knowledge about the stochastic possibilities, including the best site deployment, structure, and timing. If the study involves long-term monitoring, make sure that the site will remain accessible through the project duration and possess all required permits.”

“To ensure robust results, unbiased sampling with extensive coverage of the study area is essential. Understanding the vocal behaviour and movement patterns of the target species is equally important. Trial and error played a significant role in refining detection probability estimates, and a novel approach to normalizing detections based on different singing points was developed. Such adaptations are key when standard methods require modification to align with the unique needs of your study.”
 
“Study the social habits of the target population. We believe they may vary in this respect and differ from other populations distributed throughout the continent. Initially, we were guided by similar projects in slightly more controlled environments, but when working with our target population, we did not receive the same response as with artificial nests.”

“[For] anyone who is interested in investigating the behavioural ecology of a particular species using acoustic data: First, know thy study system. If it’s feasible, I’d recommend observing your target species’ behaviour for a year before you design your bioacoustics study. This will automatically result in a lot of intuition about how and where to deploy your recorders to best capture the behaviours of interest.”

“Establishing a robust sampling design is paramount. Clearly define the spatial and temporal scales of the study, considering factors such as habitat types, seasonal variations, and potential sources of variation. This precision in sampling design facilitates a comprehensive understanding of [avian] dynamics within the targeted ecosystems.” 

5. Recorder placement is everything.

Site selection and recorder placement repeatedly came up as critical to data quality. Researchers advised considering habitat features, expected animal behaviour, noise sources, height, accessibility, seasonal changes, landowner permissions, and whether the site can be serviced throughout the project.

“We would recommend doing the project in a site that allows you to deploy the devices without restrictions. Also, we recommend reaching agreements with the communities or landowners in the area in advance since the distribution of the species could include private properties, and landowners might not be happy to have intruders walking around their areas.”

“Careful site selection further ensures high-quality recordings, as background noise from wind, flowing water, and aircraft can interfere with acoustic data, reducing detection accuracy. Recorders should be strategically placed to minimise persistent noise interference while maximizing the likelihood of capturing vocalisations. Deploying recorders during peak vocalisation periods, such as dawn, dusk, or seasonal breeding times, also improves data collection efficiency."

“Meticulous recorder placement is key to minimising biases and obtaining representative data. Consider factors like distance from habitat edges, potential sound reflections, and accessibility when siting recorders. This thoughtful positioning contributes to the reliability and validity of the collected acoustic data.”

For more recommendations, head over to Part II. Special thanks to these grant recipients for providing sage advice:

• Souradeep Dutta, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), India.
• Dr. Vanessa Ferdinand, University of Melbourne, Australia.
• Aadithi Gopalakrishnan, Institute of Environment Education and Research (IEER), India.
• Chelsea Greer, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Canada.
• Tara Hanf-Dressler, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Germany.
• Josue Justo, La Asociación Adopta el Bosque Panamá (ADOPTA), Panamá.
• Charley Marlow Vance, Florida Gulf Coast University, United States.
• M. Dubois Muliri, Université Officielle de Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.