Project: Creating and testing a methodological framework for the detection of the critically endangered Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) using Automated Recording Units.
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Description: The Jerdon’s courser is a critically endangered bird, endemic to erstwhile State of Andhra Pradesh, India (Birdlife International, 2019). The project aimed to used bioacoustic technology to create a new detection method to survey the Jerdon’s courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) habitat. The two main outcomes of the project were:
1. Field protocol - we tested several types of Automated recording Units (hardware) and designed a robust field protocol for sampling this species in it's natural habitat. 2. Detection Algorithm - we testing two commercially available sound analysis programmes - Raven Pro (v 2.0) and Kaleidoscope to come up with a detection classifier. Our results showed that for a species with a stereotypic call like the Jerdon's courser, Raven Pro (v 2.0) worked the best. In addition we also highlight the role of mimicry in the detection of such critically endangered species. More on our work is published in the journal Oryx and a blog can be accessed here. Future research on the Jerdon's courser plans on expanding the surveyed areas to other suitable habitat patches. |
Study site: Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Fundings: IISER Tirupati, Wildlife Conservation Trust – Small Grants Programme (2019 - 2020)
Team:
Chiti Arvind
Collaborators:
P. Jeganathan NCF |
