Ecoacoustic Methods for Avifauna Analysis: A Case Study of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone

Whitehead, Helen

Abstract

Birds are one of the most studied taxa in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), with previous studies reporting negative impacts of radiation such as reductions in abundance and diversity and an increase in albinism and cataracts incidence. This thesis investigates the association of radiation and other factors (habitat, time, and weather) with CEZ bird abundance and diversity using ecoacoustic methods. This is the first time ecoacoustic methods have been used within the field of radioecology. Songmeter 3 recorders were deployed at locations across the CEZ to capture audio, including bird vocalisations. Acoustic indices were used to investigate factors that may influence bird diversity, distribution, and abundance, including radiation, habitat, and time of day (Chapter 4). Differences in acoustic index values were associated with time, recording month, and habitat, but not radiation. Male common cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) were monitored throughout May 2016, using an acoustic classifier. Radiation had no significant effect on vocal activity, but time of day and average daily rainfall did (Chapter 5). The classifier was also used to investigate radiation influence on arrival time, distribution, and vocal call structure in the Red Forest (probably the most radioactively contaminated terrestrial ecosystem on Earth) (Chapter 6). Again, radiation did not have a significant effect; daily temperature did.

Overall, and contrary to the findings of various other CEZ bird studies, the ecoacoustics based research presented in this thesis showed no significant effect of radiation on acoustic indices and male common cuckoo vocal activity. Instead, time and weather conditions were key factors associated with variations in CEZ bird abundance and diversity. This research demonstrates the capability of ecoacoustics and utility of acoustic indices for investigating avian biodiversity and automating the detection and classification of birds in sound recordings of their vocalisations.

Citation

Whitehead, H. (2023). Ecoacoustic Methods for Avifauna Analysis: A Case Study of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 11, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 9, 2025
• Award Date: Dec 8, 2023