Upemba National Park Strengthens Wildlife Research with New Acoustic Monitoring Equipment

Upemba National Park has taken a major step forward in wildlife research and conservation with the receipt of new acoustic monitoring equipment dedicated to studying mammals and birds across the park’s diverse ecosystems. The equipment, secured through a grant from Wildlife Acoustics will support the Acoustic Monitoring of Mammals and Birds in Upemba National Park project enabling the park to collect vital data on species that are often difficult to observe through traditional survey methods. Using passive acoustic technology, the project focuses particularly on birds and bats – key indicators of ecosystem health and biodiversity.

The newly received devices, including Song Meter Mini and Song Meter Mini Bat recorders, will be deployed across multiple habitats such as gallery forests, dry forests, and miombo woodlands. These sensors will operate day and night, capturing vocal activity over extended periods without disturbing wildlife. 

The data will then be analyzed using advanced bioacoustics software to identify species, track activity patterns, and assess habitat use. “This technology will allow us to listen to the park in ways that were previously impossible,” said Yoba Alenga, the project’s lead ecologist. “Many species are elusive, nocturnal, or sensitive to human presence. Acoustic monitoring gives us a powerful, non-invasive tool to better understand and protect them.”

By generating the first systematic acoustic baseline for birds and small mammals in several parts of the park, this project will directly support conservation planning, long-term monitoring, and evidence-based decision-making. The results will contribute to national and international biodiversity databases and help guide future protection strategies within Upemba.

The arrival of this equipment marks not only the start of an innovative research phase, but also a broader commitment to integrating science and technology into the park’s conservation efforts – ensuring that Upemba’s wildlife is better understood, monitored, and safeguarded for generations to come.