Import the raw data of sound into Adobe Audition 3.0 or Avisoft-SASLab Pro sound analysis software, resampled (Sample size: 44100 Hz; Window size: 1024 points), and then saved separately in WAV format. High-quality waveforms and sonograms were selected to measure characteristics of Hainan gibbons’ calls, to analyze the differences in acoustic indexes between individuals, and to build a database of Hainan gibbon sound patterns on an individual basis. Then, perform individual sound recognition using the implemented sound recognition model. Finally, the effectiveness of the sound acquisition is evaluated, and the accuracy of the sound recognition is assessed. Among them, the evaluation of the sound recognition effect is done mainly by comparing with the field research and other sound monitoring results.
Based on the acquired time-frequency domain characteristics of Hainan gibbons, the parameters used for automatic recognition were determined in conjunction with the vocal database. The selected time-frequency parameters were imported into the automatic recognition software and the developed algorithm program to automatically identify and extract Hainan gibbon calls from the recordings. Information such as the number of gibbons that may be present in the sound data is evaluated by different clustering and discriminative methods.
The fully-automated acoustic monitoring equipment is of vital use for data processing in this project. The transmitted sound data is automatically stored in Huawei cloud space. Once the Hainan biodiversity sound pattern Huawei cloud database be established, individual sound recognition could be realized.
The installation of automatic sound monitoring equipment in group E
IUCN China
The installation of automatic sound monitoring equipment in group E
IUCN China
The installation of automatic sound monitoring equipment in group C
IUCN China
The installation of automatic sound monitoring equipment in group C
IUCN China
Based on the research results, combined with the coverage of 4G signal, a set of domestic automatic sound recording equipment with 4G signal, which has a real-time transmission function (product model: LBird-01211) was installed in the typical environment of Hainan gibbons in the Bawangling Reserve.
The field research results showed that group C and group E have strong 4G signal coverage, which can meet the remote transmission conditions for recording equipment as tested by technicians. Therefore, three and two sets of equipment were chosen to be deployed in group C and group E respectively.
The equipment analyzes the remotely acquired sound data including the environment and location information and tries to practice individual vocal recognition in the layout area from the perspective of sounding.
Final selection of words and terms for seagrass in Creole
SeyCCAT
The Creole Language Academy is the authorised body to approve new words into the Creole language. Officially, the collaboration with them was essential to elgitimise the exercise and to obtain official new words and terms for seagrass. On the other hand, the Academy's input was essential in ensuring that the cultural element of the naming process was maintained.
Transparency was a key element in the process to ensure everyone was kept in the know of any developments. A committee of linguists, conservationists and scientists was created to filter findings from the public before submission to the Academy.
To introduce a new word into a language, there's firstly an official process which needs to be followed. It is important to identify all the steps and actors which play a role in this exercise. The Committee which was set up was important in adding legitimacy and support to the process - all key players had to feel that they were involved and that was a good way to get them to collaborate and exhange ideas. This also faciliated the work of the Academy as the words and terms which were submitted had been well thought out.
A nation-wide survey was carried out to reach different groups of the general public. The survey served two functions, 1. to gather information and 2. to engage people to understand what the exercise was about and to raise awareness on seagrass. Survey could be accessed on line via the website but was promoted on the radio, print media and social media.
Awareness of the survey was important as was adding images in the survey document to make it friendly and also fun.
Print copies of the survey were used to access the fishing community. District administrators were engaged to facililtate the process as they knew members of their dictricts more intimately.
If is wasn't for Covid-19 restrictions, the project would have solicitated the help of university students to reach more members of the fishing community.
From late November 2021 to early December 2021, the Hainan Institute of National Park (HINP) conducted field research in and around the five family groups (group A - E) of gibbons in the reserve with the participation of relevant experts and staff from the Bawangling Reserve. The research has set up 8 stationed sites and 21 surveillance sites, covering the habitat of each Hainan gibbon population, with 48 team members participating simultaneously.
Past data accumulation of Hainan gibbons monitoring
Participation of experienced experts
Support from the Hainan Institute of National Park (HINP)
The field research has provided data support for the protection of Hainan gibbons, and played a key role in timely grasping information and formulating conservation plans.
