Building Analytical Tools for Acoustic Biodiversity Monitoring

Research Location: TBD, likely Puerto Rico for 2 weeks to do some experimental acoustic monitoring
Conservation Partners: WildMon

Faculty Mentors

Dr. John Swaddle

Project Description

Acoustic monitoring is increasingly used to monitor bird populations, understand population dynamics, and inform conservation, while also providing a powerful tool for measuring biodiversity. However, conservation organizations often lack clear guidance on how much sampling effort is needed to answer specific research questions. This project, in collaboration with WildMon and conservation partners, will develop evidence-based best practices for designing acoustic monitoring projects that balance research effort and cost with the need to collect sufficient data to address critical conservation information gaps. Students will analyze existing acoustic datasets from three sites and develop simulation and resampling approaches to evaluate how different levels of sampling effort affect estimates of bird population and biodiversity indicators, including species accumulation curves, diversity indices, occupancy, and relative abundance.

Depending on project interests, students may also work with WildMon and field partners to design and test acoustic monitoring protocols in the field. The project will produce practical resources for conservation researchers, practitioners, and local communities, potentially including publications, sampling guidance, and interactive tools to help determine the effort needed to monitor bird populations and detect meaningful changes in biodiversity.

Skills and Prereqs

This project is well suited for students interested in applied statistics, mathematical biology, ecological modeling, or operations research. Experience with statistical programming is valuable, while a background in conservation biology or ecology is helpful but not required.

Travel

Students will travel to one of WildMon's research sites, potentially Puerto Rico, for two weeks over the summer to design and implement acoustic monitoring experimental data collection. Students should be prepared for air and ground travel, outdoor fieldwork in tropical conditions, carrying and deploying acoustic monitoring equipment, and potentially long or variable field days.

Notes for Applicants

This project is a good fit for students interested in bird conservation, biodiversity monitoring, acoustic ecology, and quantitative data analysis. Students should be comfortable combining computer-based data analysis with outdoor fieldwork and bring curiosity, problem-solving skills, flexibility, and a willingness to learn acoustic monitoring techniques.

Number of students

Two

Project ID - Format

27-007-27- CRP Year

Interested in this project?

Review the CRP application requirements and submit your application by October 25, 2026.