Acoustic Data Analysis
WildTech Ecology provides specialist acoustic data analysis and interpretation services for ecological consultancies, land managers, charities and research-led projects working with large or complex acoustic datasets.
Services focus on the management, processing and interpretation of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data to support ecological impact assessment and longer-term monitoring.
All analysis is based on client-supplied acoustic datasets; WildTech Ecology does not supply recording equipment but can provide advice on survey design and deployment strategy where helpful.
PAM is recognised within bird survey guidance as a complementary method to traditional bird surveys, and practitioners are often required to interpret substantial volumes of acoustic data. As the use of acoustic data continues to develop within impact assessment, WildTech Ecology supports project teams in making confident, proportionate use of bioacoustic evidence.
Compared to traditional observer-led surveys, PAM provides low-disturbance monitoring suitable for sensitive habitats and species. It is particularly valuable for understanding the presence and activity of target or elusive species, and for assessing activity patterns and site use over time. Analysis is undertaken using automated and AI-assisted tools, with all outputs subject to rigorous human-in-the-loop review and expert ecological interpretation.
Support can be provided across bird, bat and other bioacoustic datasets, with outputs structured to support ecological impact assessment and decision-making.
Location: Apennine Mountains, Anticiana, Italy
A relatively busy soundscape with multiple passerine species present, including Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla and Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla. The sonogram shows overlapping vocalisations typical of mixed semi-natural woodland habitat during the breeding season.
Acoustic Data Processing
Managing large passive acoustic datasets
Organisation and processing of bird, bat and other PAM recordings.
Quality checks on files, timestamps and metadata.
Automated and AI-assisted screening to identify calls.
Approach:
Standardised, documented workflows.
Secure file transfer and data sharing via Google Drive and/or SSD.
Clear recording of tools, settings and processing steps used.
Expert Call Verification
Expert species identification
Manual review of automated detections by an experienced ecologist.
Confirmation of species using spectrogram analysis and call characteristics
Identification of false positives/negatives and uncertain records.
Approach:
Human-in-the-loop verification of all automated outputs.
Confidence levels assigned to identifications where appropriate.
Transparent criteria used for analysis of records.
Ecological Interpretation & Visualisation
Turning detections into ecological insight
Interpretation of presence, activity patterns and temporal site use.
Analysis and visualisation of acoustic results using R.
Clear figures and summaries suitable for reporting and decision-making.
Approach:
Methods and assumptions clearly documented.
Reproducible analysis workflows used to generate outputs.
Results presented with stated limitations and confidence where relevant.