Globally, bioacoustics is a rapidly growing field of research, and there is huge potential for bioacoustics research in Africa. Africa hosts immense behavioural diversity, a wide range of acoustic species, and rapidly developing environments, all of which contribute to issues such as noise pollution. 

It is with these realities in mind that the African Bioacoustics Community was initiated in March 2018. The ABC was founded to support growth in bioacoustic science on the African continent, striving to provide opportunities for African scientists, students, and wildlife workers to learn from and network with experts through international conferences, workshops, and courses. Over the past 8 years, we have hosted 5 international bioacoustics conferences showcasing African research, hosted training workshops and residential courses across South Africa, including a two-week residential Applied Bioacoustics for Conservation course run in collaboration with OTS, and grown a successful biweekly listserv newsletter that connects researchers, promotes news and events and helps to build our growing community.
 

We also have our "Listening for Life " project, run in collaboration with local Cape Town-based artist Claire Homewood (CareCreative). Together, we have developed several science-art projects, including murals around the Cape Town peninsula and in Kruger National Park, Silent Lab sound journeys and partici-paint-tory workshops for local youth groups. 

​

​

OUT ETHOS 

​

​Bioacoustic research from Africa and by African scientists is not well represented in the global field, and thus the African Bioacoustics Community strives to shine a light on the achievements of bioacoustics research in Africa. We work towards equal representation, access to crucial learning and networking opportunities, and providing an environment where information flows freely between scientists, research labs, countries, and continents. 
 
Sustainability and minimising our carbon footprint are values we hold dear, and we work hard to ensure our events are sustainable, plastic-free and carbon-responsible. As part of our efforts in this matter, we ask that members of our community consider carbon offsetting or donating to a cause that aligns with our values.
​
Every action we take makes a difference.

​

Diversity and Inclusion are as necessary as ABC
​
The African Bioacoustics Community aims to make the science of sound accessible across Africa. We cannot achieve this without a diverse and inclusive mindset, a valuing of new ideas, and a celebration of different approaches. We hope to foster connections and relationships among people passionate about the unique and fascinating field of bioacoustics.

After all, Community is in our name.

​

Our ultimate goal is to provide a socially and environmentally conscious place for researchers to network, to learn and to share their research in the field of bioacoustics.

​

And with this in mind, we can't wait to welcome the international bioacoustics community to South Africa in 2027. We are incredibly excited to share with you the wonderful soundscapes and sounds from the savannah. So bring your recording gear and headphones!

​

​

For further information on the ABC, please follow us online: 

 

​
​