FAQ

What is wildlife bioacoustics?

In our context, wildlife bioacoustics refers to the sounds that wildlife such as birds and amphibians produce. We can record these sounds to identify the species present at that location. These data can be used to monitor the status of wildlife species across a given area and through time.

What are ARUs?

ARUs (Automated or Autonomous Recording Units) are robust recording devices that collect sounds produced by birds, amphibians, and other taxa. Most ARUs used by the Bioacoustic Unit are Song Meters (SM2+ and SM3) produced by the company Wildlife Acoustics. They are installed at study locations and can be pre-set to record wildlife sounds for a given period of time.

How can I use ARUs?

At the most basic level, you can use ARUs to record any sound you wish. To get the most out of your study, please visit our Resources page and download our protocols that will explain all the “how to’s” that you need to get started. Of course, always feel free to contact us for advice. We are here to help!

Will my data be kept private?

We would prefer to make all data freely available for public download. However, we recognize some data may need to be kept confidential for a variety of reasons. To that end, the Bioacoustic Unit is flexible in how data are shared and we will work with clients to ensure that we reach an agreement that benefits all parties.

Can I use Bioacoustic Unit data for my own research?

Yes – all the data available on our website is available for use in your research. However, please ensure you cite the Bioacoustic Unit in your work. Please use the following citation method:

When an author(s) is indicated:

Author. Year. Title. Bioacoustic Unit, University of Alberta & Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute. Edmonton, Alberta. Version: DATE

Otherwise:

Bioacoustic Unit. Year. Title. University of Alberta & Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute. Edmonton, Alberta. Version: DATE