What do Saskatchewan’s wetlands, forests, and grasslands sound like? From April to July 2024, researchers and students from the University of Saskatchewan tuned into these natural soundscapes, uncovering the hidden voices of birds and bats using Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs). This unique study, conducted across First Nations and non-First Nations lands, sheds light on biodiversity patterns and the critical role of First Nations lands as vibrant habitats for wildlife. 

The team deployed ARUs across 69 sites in eight rural municipalities, spanning wetlands, forests, and grasslands, including areas within First Nations lands. ARUs provided a non-invasive method for monitoring species diversity, with bird ARUs capturing the songs and calls of various bird species and bat ARUs tracking bat activity at 12 select locations. Together, these recordings are helping researchers understand biodiversity patterns and wildlife behaviour, while contributing to future conservation efforts across Saskatchewan.

To gather these recordings, ARUs were rotated weekly to new locations, completing three rotations per season. They were set to capture mornings (starting one hour before sunrise) and evenings (starting one hour before sunset), ensuring a good mix of bird and bat activity. The recordings were then analyzed using a combination of automated species identification software and manual transcription by trained experts. The results were remarkable: a total of 225 bird, reptile, and mammal species were detected across the study area. Some of the most commonly identified birds included Canada Geese, American Crows, Red-winged Blackbirds, Hermit Thrushes, and various sparrow species. 

This research highlights the unique role of First Nations lands as key habitats for thriving bird and bat populations, underscoring their importance in biodiversity conservation. By blending innovative technology with ecological expertise, researchers are capturing the sounds of Saskatchewan’s wildlife to offer fresh insights into the region’s ecosystems. Studies like this not only expand our understanding of the province’s biodiversity but also pave the way for more effective conservation strategies, revealing hidden stories in nature’s soundscape that can guide us toward healthier and more balanced ecosystems.

This study will continue into 2025 and the team is looking forward to releasing further project results later this year. 

Ifrah Abdirizak

Researcher

University of Saskatchewan