Acoustic indices estimate breeding bird species richness with daily and seasonally variable effectiveness in lowland temperate Białowieża forest

Acoustic indices can effectively estimate breeding bird species richness in temperate forests, but their effectiveness varies daily and seasonally. In the Białowieża Forest, the Bioacoustic Index (BI) proved to be the most reliable predictor of bird species richness, particularly when averaged across surveys or recording points. While BI showed strong correlations with mean species richness, the Acoustic Diversity Index (ADI) better reflected total species richness. Notably, acoustic indices performed better in early spring and before the peak of bird singing activity. This study highlights the potential of acoustic indices as a rapid tool for biodiversity assessment but underscores the need to account for daily and seasonal variations in their effectiveness.

Budka, M., Sokołowska, E., Muszyńska, A., & Staniewicz, A. (2023). Acoustic indices estimate breeding bird species richness with daily and seasonally variable effectiveness in lowland temperate Białowieża forest. Ecological Indicators, 148, 110027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.110027