Australian Bat Acoustic Data Collection

This dataset is a growing collection of high-frequency echolocation calls recorded from Australian bats across a wide geographic range and over multiple decades. The calls have been collected by various bat researchers, contributors and collaborators from across Australia. Taxonomic updates have been applied where possible, such as the reclassification of species from Mormopterus to Ozimops. Users should note that some audio files may contain calls from multiple species, and in certain cases, only one of the present species has been identified.
The collection includes bat call files in .zc and .wav formats, encompassing both identified and unidentified calls. Each call file contains embedded information, such as collection date, GPS location, species identification (where available), and contributor details, which is extracted and used to create searchable filter options in TERN Ecoacoustic Recordings. This enables users to efficiently search for, explore, and download call files based on specific criteria through the dashboard.
Data have been gathered from diverse environments including national parks, research stations, and conservation areas throughout Australia.
The earliest recordings date back to 1989, and the dataset continues to expand. This metadata record serves as an open library for Australian bat call data, with future submissions from additional contributors expected to be added over time.