Senior Thesis Paper

The first aim of my Senior Thesis: Characterising the three soundscapes.

The inquiry question for my thesis is: Are the soundscapes of 3 individual locations from the Central Coast region of NSW different and if so how do they vary? 

My senior project is focused on Bioacoustics, the study of animal sounds within a soundscape. It is a growing technique used to monitor wildlife numbers, biodiversity, fluctuations in species abundance and diversity as well as monitor endangered animal species. It is becoming a popular technique used to record data as it is a noninvasive method to capture vocal fauna across large areas. 

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The second aim of my Senior Thesis: Using bioacoustics to track seasonal changes in vocal fauna.

In December 2021, I began an investigation into the soundscapes of three varying locations, these included Strickland State Forest, Popran National Park and Norah Head Headlands. The aim of the experiment was to monitor the soundscape across a six month period to not only capture the differences in vocal fauna between the three locations but also the affect that the seasonal change might have on the soundscapes. This was achieved using AudioMoths, small sound recording devices attached to tree branches and set to record for 5 consecutive days in December, March and July.

This project is focused toward determining factors that could contribute to the fluctuations in species abundance and population density of certain species, from mating seasons, climate preferences, migration, over population, fluctuations in food supply and shelter abundance, tourism and the effects of invasive species.

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The project goals include:

To characterise the 3 different soundscapes.

To use bioacoustics to track seasonal changes. 

To introduce citizen science to the community. 

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