Soundscapes of the Yungas Andean forest: Identifying the acoustic footprint of an anuran assemblage

BOULLHESEN, M.; VAIRA, M.; BARQUEZ, R.M.; AKMENTINS, M.S.

Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment

Elsevier

Año: 2023 vol. 29

2352-9385

Soundscapes are composed by the conjunction of sound patterns in each space and time. Thebiophony produced by the advertisement calls of anurans are one of the most outstanding featuresof a soundscape, particularly in subtropical montane areas such as the Yungas Andean forests ofNW Argentina. We recorded soundscapes with automated recording units along an altitudinalgradient and throughout a whole year in the Calilegua National Park. Using a novel combinationof visual analysis and acoustic indices we have been able to identify the anuran acousticfingerprint in the soundscapes of a seasonal subtropical montane forest. In addition, we detected adecrement in using the acoustic communication channel along the altitudinal gradient by anuranassemblages, in agreement with a decrement in species richness. Our results showed a seasonaleffect of the vocalization patterns, splitting the group of sounds recorded in two main periodsalong the year. In this study we presented the first description of Argentina’s altitudinal strata ofthe Yungas Andean forests. This information provides a solid basis for monitoring programs ofdirect and indirect anthropogenic impacts. Additionally, we highlight the importance of understanding how soundscapes are composed in a naturally protected area and, posit them as a novel ecosystem service that could benefit human health. We emphasise that Natural Soundscapesshould be protected and must be included as intangible heritage in the management plans ofprotected areas in the country. Likewise, the methods proposed in this study encourage settlingdown the basis for implementing long-term acoustic monitoring of anuran species and otheracoustic communities in the Yungas ecoregion.