Recording technology - ecoPi

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What is the ecoPi?

The ecoPis are specially developed, modular recording systems that can be flexibly adapted to your ecological requirements.
The ecoPi is ideal for long-term surveys, such as monitoring programs, which are to be carried out with minimal personnel costs.
As a cost-effective solution, the ecoPi complements other recording methods and improves the data basis for nature conservation studies.

Our focus is on acoustic surveys in which the data is evaluated directly in the field on the ecoPis using BirdNET and can be explored directly in the dashboard of the ecoPi-LiveApp. This is particularly advantageous for time-critical monitoring tasks or if a continuous evaluation of the data is to take place during the recording.

Find out more about the ecoPi-system dashboard: ecoPi-LiveApp  

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What features does the ecoPi offer?

Smart detection

Thanks to the integration of BirdNET on our ecoPis, birds and other animal groups can be detected almost in real time. Our ecoPi LiveApp keeps you up to date at all times.

Real-time networking

Thanks to an internet connection, data can also be exchanged during use. Audio files can be sent if required and detections can be verified immediately. The results are already available during monitoring in the ecoPi LiveApp.

Configurable software

Monitoring parameters such as recording times and duration as well as the AI model can be adjusted during the field season to ensure optimal data collection.

Modular design

The ecoPi can be equipped with a microphone, loudspeaker and/or camera to meet the specific requirements of your project; our devices are constantly being further developed.

Self-sufficient power supply

Solar panels and batteries ensure a reliable, self-sufficient power supply throughout the entire detection period. The components can be adapted to project-specific requirements (e.g. larger solar panels)

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Current examples of use

Acoustic (permanent) monitoring - ecoPi:Bird

• Citril finch species protection program in the Black Forest  

  The species protection program of the Freiburg Regional Council aims to help stabilize the population of the citril finch Carduelis citronella in the Black Forest.
  In this project the ecoPi is used for continuous acoustic monitoring - even in the winter months and in places that are difficult to access.

• “Neeracherried” in Switzerland  

  In the Neeracherried - a fenland conservation area in Switzerland - the resting and breeding bird species are to be regularly recorded, in particular the various species of rails.
  The ecoPi is also used here for continuous acoustic monitoring. This enables low-disturbance monitoring in the sensitive protected area, even in the heavily waterlogged areas.

• “Bremgartener Meadow” in Baden-Wuerttemberg

  The “Bremgartener Wiesen” are an important meadow breeding area in South Baden. ecoPis are used by NABU Südbaden for long-term acoustic monitoring to record triels and other special bird species.

• Capercaillie monitoring in the Bavarian Forest National Park

  The monitoring is intended to help record the courtship behavior of capercaillie in the Bavarian Forest National Park in more detail. ecoPis are used to ensure that monitoring is carried out with as little disturbance as possible.

Attraction & monitoring - ecoPi:Boom

• Reintroduction of common terns in Switzerland  

  Sound dummies are used to acoustically simulate active colonies at suitable breeding sites and thus successfully attract common terns to breed. In this project the ecoPi has been supplemented with a loudspeaker through which the luring sounds are played. In addition, a microphone and a camera are used to record the birds on site, enabling direct monitoring of success.

Recording of insects - ecoPi:Bug

• NatForWINSENT II  

  In this research project, the behavior of birds and bats at wind turbines is to be investigated in more detail. The occurrence of insects on wind turbines will also be recorded with the help of an insect photo trap developed by us. For this purpose, the ecoPi was modified and equipped with an insect attraction area and a camera.