Who’s talking in my backyard?

Project Overview

Who Is Talking in My Backyard? is a citizen science project that engages students and community members in monitoring urban wildlife using acoustic technology. Participants record animal calls in suburban backyards across Australia to help measure and understand urban fauna biodiversity.

Project Purpose

The aim of the project is to measure biodiversity in urban areas by conducting short acoustic surveys across all four seasons each year. Data collected will help establish a baseline for urban wildlife presence, with Year One serving as the reference point for each survey area.

What We Record

The project uses acoustic meters to record animal calls, which fall into two categories:

  • Acoustic animals – including birds and some mammals such as flying foxes
  • Ultrasonic animals – including bats

Because of technical limitations, the recording device can capture either acoustic or ultrasonic sounds, but not both at the same time.

Equipment

  • Demeter acoustic recorder
  • SD card (pre-installed)
  • 4 × AA batteries (installed by the participant)

Each Demeter is pre-programmed before deployment and is ready to use on arrival.

How the Project Works

  1. Training
    • All participants receive online training on how to safely place the Demeter recorder in their backyard.
    • Extended training is available for:
      • Participants who purchase a Demeter
      • Schools involved in the program
    • Extended training covers device setup for either acoustic or ultrasonic recording prior to deployment.
  2. Deployment
    • Demeters are configured at a Saffron Aid office with:
      • The recording location address
      • Recording mode (acoustic or ultrasonic)
      • Start date and time
      • Recording duration
    • Devices are mailed to participants ready for use.
  3. Recording Period
    • Each survey runs for five days.
    • Participants place the recorder in position on arrival.
    • On the scheduled start day, participants open the case and switch the unit on.
    • Recording begins automatically at the pre-set time.
  4. Return of Equipment
    • At the end of the survey, participants:
      • Remove the batteries
      • Place the Demeter into the return postal pack
      • Post it back as instructed
    • For schools, all devices are returned to the supervising teacher, who coordinates the return to Saffron Aid.

Data Analysis and Reporting

  • Audio data stored on SD cards is analysed using AI software to identify animal species.
  • Participants receive:
    • An individual report for each SD card via email
  • Project updates include:
    • Quarterly progress reports
    • Ongoing social media updates as results are received

Project Timeline

The project operates year-round, with surveys conducted in:

  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
  • Spring

Short surveys are repeated each season to track changes in biodiversity over time.

Outcomes

  • Improved understanding of urban wildlife diversity
  • Seasonal comparisons of fauna activity
  • Long-term data to support urban conservation and planning
  • Active involvement of schools and communities in scientific research