Bobwhite Quail 1.jpg—Caption: Animals, such as this singing Northern Bobwhite Quail, use sounds to communicate. Bioacoustics is a branch of science studying animal communication. (Photo credit: Dan Witt)
Chirps, whistles, croaks, and clicks all combine in an animal opera of high drama for eavesdropping scientists. Discover what animals are saying during the free program “Listening to Animals” on Sunday, March 12 at 2p.m. at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.
Mark Nolen, professor of biology at Hutchinson Community College, will share information on the up-and-coming field of biology called bioacoustics, the study of animal communication and sound. Studying sounds animals use to communicate, provides a window into animal worlds and information on social interactions.
Knowledge of bioacoustics in our environment enriches our experience in nature and adds a new dimension to our scientific understanding of biology and ecology. The natural soundscape provides a non-invasive method for monitoring biodiversity. It is a window into the complex breeding behaviors and social lives of animals. Moreover, biologists are studying how the soundscape is an information resource for animals themselves – providing clues about food location, habitat quality, and safety from predators in their chaotic environments.
This program will also be a kickoff to the KWEC’s Cheyenne Bottoms FrogWatch year. FrogWatch is a citizen science program administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that enlists volunteers to monitor local frog and toad populations by listening for their calls.
KWEC staff provide training and resources to volunteers to be able to identify local frogs and toads throughout the breeding season at Cheyenne Bottoms. Attendees to the March 12 program do not have to participate in FrogWatch, but more information about FrogWatch will be available.
If you are interested in participating in this year’s FrogWatch, call the KWEC for more information at 877-243- 9268.