the 4th African Bioacoustics Community Conference
​From the 1st to the 6th of September 2024 we hosted our 4th biennial conference at the Breakwater Lodge, Cape Town, South Africa. This first-class venue (with a spectacular view of Table Mountain!) was the perfect setting for what was going to be a hugely successful conference.
Our 2024 conference was a hybrid event with over 100 in-person delegates and 60 solely online participants. The majority of our delegates represented 12 different African countries, with the rest of the delegates representing a further 20 countries. Our delegates were treated to 4 days of conference presentations, including 6 plenary addresses, 52 standard talks, 17 speed talks and 13 posters showcasing the work of our presenters.
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We also held 4 special sessions including the Basics of Bioacoustics session (aimed at students and early career researchers), as well as an interactive art session to explore the reality that art and science are not mutually exclusive.
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This was definitely a conference to remember.
Conference Agenda
Plenary Speakers
Prof Angela Stöeger-Horwath
Acoustic Research Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences
"Vocal Communication in African Elephants: from production to Function and Potential Implications"
Dr Beth Brady
Senior Science and Conservation Associate, Save the Manatee Club
"What Does the Manatee Say? Manatee Vocalizations in Florida and Beyond"
Dr. Simon Elwen
Sea Search Research and Conservation
"A naturalist toolbox: Investigating sound production in dolphins from anatomy to machine learning - Bioacoustics through the lens of Gui Frainer's research"
Dr Ashlee Lillis
Principal Scientist at Sound Ocean Science
"Interviews with Fish: Ecoacoustic monitoring of reef habitats in East Africa"
Prof Elodie F. Mandel-Briefer
Department of Biology, University of Copenhagan
"Vocal communication and group dynamics: An overview and study case in birds and mammals"
Prof Peter L. Tyack
Research Professor, University of St Andrews
"Effects on marine mammals of underwater sound from human activities"
WORKSHOPS
MANTA: Making Ambient Noise Trends Accessible
hosted by Jennifer Miksis-Olds, University of New Hampshire, USA
Making Ambient Noise Trends Accessible (MANTA) software is a tool for the community to enable comparisons between soundscapes and identification of ambient sound trends required by stakeholders. MANTA enhances the value of individual datasets by assisting users in creating thorough calibration metadata and internationally recommended products comparable over time and space to ultimately assess ocean sound at any desired scale up to a global level. Dr Miksis-Olds took workshop participants through the theory behind the software package which combines of two applications: MANTA Metadata App and MANTA Data Mining App. Once participants were briefed on the theory, they were taken through the application using example data to get a feel of the software. Participants were encouraged to use their own data in the MANTA app. Dr. Miksis-Olds was able to help troubleshoot any issues that the in-person delegates were experiencing. The workshop was incredibly informative and a great introduction to a useful and powerful acoustics data analytical program.
Acoustics Recording and Data Analysis with Wildlife Acoustics
hosted by Paul Howden-Leach, Wildlife Acoustics
This workshop provided hands-on training with Wildlife Acoustics’ diverse selection of terrestrial acoustic recording equipment, followed by acoustic data analysis training in the Kaleidoscope Pro Analysis Software. A lot was learnt by all participants and there was a real sense of understanding and passion for bioacoustics present.
Bioacoustics Beyond Biology Special Session
Science and art are not mutually exclusive, they can blend together in ways that make both easier to understand and connect with. As part of the 4th African Bioacoustics Community Conference, we hosting an artistic special session dedicated to exploring the idea of Art and Science telling each other's stories. Presentations Claire Homewood (CareCreative), Caitlin Mkhsibe, and Sarah Woodward were given in to the delegates as they expressed their use of
Claire Homewood
CareCreative
CareCreative is an artist, working across disciplines to weave community connectedness and collaborations. In her ongoing project with ABC, she deepens the possibilities for art and science to work together in communicating with the public. How do we develop a space were science can find its way to effective public creative communication through art and how can art hold science in a place where responses could be on an intuitive or emotional or other level... And how can all of this find its way into a graffiti mural?
Caitlin Mkhasibe
Caitlin Mkhasibe (Zulu surname pronounced, mm-ca-sea-beh) is a Cape Town-based mixed-media artist who got her BAFA from the Michaelis School of Fine Art at the University of Cape Town. Mkhasibe majored in New Media, focusing on sound and visual projection installations. She utilizes abstract mark-making to render organic textures from nature to discuss political ecology, metaphysical moods and outer space.
Sarah Woodward
Sara Woodward is a voice-over artist. She has worked in advertising and various other voice-over work in her career. Sarah spent 9 years as an academic at Wits University in Johannesburg as a voice and speech lecturer. Her presentation explored the transformative potential of voice training through the lens of theatrical practices, particularly focusing on the concept of "Theatre Voice" and its adaptability.
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Student and expert
Q&A Panel
lead by Clinton Factheu
A panel of African postgraduate students and bioacoustic professionals took the time to share their stories and experiences within bioacoustics research. The conversation included how they started research in bioacoustics and found important opportunities within the field, progressing their career path. There was then time for students to ask questions of other students and the experts present. Engagement from the audience was high and a lot of advice and knowledge was shared between all parties. Students felt free to voice concerns about career paths and to get practical tips on how to pursue bioacoustics as they progress in their studies and move into the working sphere. We were lucky to have such a diverse array of voices and experiences present, from pure academics, to experience in NGO and Government organizations and how to take knowledge from international institutions and apply it in an African context.
The Conference Banquet
Our final banquet was held at the beautiful and vibrant Grand Africa Café and Beach.
Fun, good food, great conversations and solidifying friendships and connections were definitely the order of the evening!
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Thank You to our Sponsors!
