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Lauren Hawkins – Forest Orchestra: learning by listening
7 March 2025 , 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Ecoacoustics is the study of environmental sounds and the connection these sounds have to ecosystem function and health. Listening to the sounds of an ecosystem offers a unique way to monitor biodiversity, map species distribution, understand fauna behaviour, and track ecological change.
This talk by Lauren Hawkins will introduce ecoacoustics and the application of this technology to the assessment of ecosystem health, particularly through the work of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions (DBCA). We will explore how DBCA uses ecoacoustics to increase our understanding of the soundscapes of our south-west forests, to monitor habitat changes, and track priority fauna species.
Audience members will also have an opportunity to step into the shoes of an ecoacoustician, getting to listen to a diverse array of natural sounds as we play a game or two of “What’s Making That Sound?” The session will conclude with a discussion on the importance of ecoacoustics in conservation, which will highlight some new developments in the field.
Doors open at 7.10 pm and the meeting begins at 7.30 pm at the Hew Roberts Lecture Theatre, University of Western Australia, Nedlands. Parking is available at the Gordon St or Clifton St entrances to the campus. All are welcome to attend, with a donation of $3 for members or $5 for non-members giving you a chance to win the door prize (EFTPOS available). The main presentation will be followed by a short “focus” talk, after which you are welcome to join us for tea/coffee and conversation.