For the application of automated bioacoustic methods for the recording of difficult species in Saxony-Anhalt, a concept will be developed, material and software for test runs in different habitats or for different species as well as future use will be procured and test runs will be carried out in different habitats.

Partial service 1 Development of a concept and procurement of material

1. Concept for automated bioacoustic monitoring of bird species in Saxony-Anhalt

Development of a concept for which valuable bird species or in which habitats such monitoring seems useful and necessary. The monitoring of trigger species in the European bird protection areas must be given special consideration here. Calculation of the annual time expenditure and the costs for material listening boxes and any necessary accessories and software use.

2. Material procurement

Procurement of 75 listening boxes of a proven type including accessories such as weather protection etc. and procurement (acquisition or two-year license) of a suitable analysis software for the automated recognition of species-specific vocalizations).

Partial service 2 test runs for different species and habitats 2023

3. Test runs 2023

Execution of test runs in 3 suitable habitats/areas with species with seasonally late activity maximum e.g. nightjar, corncrake, spotted rail according to the developed concept. The areas and species to be recorded are to be coordinated with the Client. Over a period of at least six weeks, 25 listening boxes must be deployed in each area in a suitable spatial distribution, regularly checked and read. In order to validate the automated recording, the target species are additionally recorded conventionally using the NaturaList app in 3 standard inspections according to Südbeck et al. 2005.

4. Rough evaluation of the test runs 2023

After training the software, the collected data from the listening boxes can be automated and roughly evaluated manually for 50% of the recording times per area.

Partial service 3 test runs for different species and habitats 2024

5. Test runs 2024

Execution of further test runs in at least 2 suitable habitats/areas with species with seasonal activity maximum (e.g. boreal owl, pygmy owl, eagle owl, partridge) according to the developed concept. In addition, an area with positive evidence in 2023 (or an alternative area for a late-active species) must also be sampled in 2024. The areas are to be coordinated with the Client. Over a period of at least six weeks, 25 listening boxes must be deployed, regularly checked and read. To validate the automated recording, the target species are additionally recorded conventionally using the NaturaList app during 3 standard inspections (according to Südbeck et al. 2005).

6. Evaluation of the test runs 2024 and detailed evaluation of the data from 2023

The collected data from 2024 of the listening boxes are automated and randomly evaluated manually after training the software. The roughly evaluated data from 2023 must be analysed in depth. Detected occurrences of the valuable species from both years must be entered with exact localization in ornitho.de.

Partial service 4 Evaluation and reporting

7. Evaluation and concretisation of the concept

Review of whether the concept developed before the test runs needs to be modified on the basis of the experience gained from the test runs. Adaptation of the concept for automated bioacoustic bird monitoring in Saxony-Anhalt, in particular under the aspects "suitability as well as advantages and disadvantages compared to other methods", "time expenditure and costs", "technical and personnel requirements and prerequisites".

8. Summary analysis and writing of a manuscript

The results collected in the test runs are evaluated in summary (evidence, effectiveness of the recording) and related to the conventionally collected mapping results.

A manuscript (at least 10 MS pages) for the annual reports on bird monitoring in Saxony-Anhalt is to be written about the results and updated concept (structure and layout are based on the last issues). Similar projects already underway locally in Saxony-Anhalt should be taken into account. If the results are of supra-regional interest, an additional manuscript must be prepared for publication in a national journal (e.g. Vogelwelt).

Events

Partial service 1 (concept and procurement) 30.04.2023

Partial service 2 (test runs 2023) 31.10.2023

Partial service 3 (test runs 2024) 31.08.2024

Partial service 4 (evaluation and report) 31.10.2024