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Koe : Web‐based software to classify acoustic units and analyse sequence structure in animal vocalizations
Author(s) -
Fukuzawa Yukio,
Webb Wesley H.,
Pawley Matthew D.M.,
Roper Michelle M.,
Marsland Stephen,
Brunton Dianne H.,
Gilman Andrew
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
methods in ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.425
H-Index - 105
ISSN - 2041-210X
DOI - 10.1111/2041-210x.13336
Subject(s) - bioacoustics , computer science , visualization , sequence (biology) , segmentation , citizen science , artificial intelligence , data science , biology , telecommunications , genetics , botany
Classifying acoustic units is often a key step in studying repertoires and sequence structure in animal communication. Manual classification by eye and ear remains the primary method, but new tools and techniques are urgently needed to expedite the process for large, diverse datasets. Here we introduce Koe , an application for classifying and analysing animal vocalizations. Koe offers bulk‐labelling of units via interactive ordination plots and unit tables, as well as visualization and playback, segmentation, measurement, data filtering/exporting and new tools for analysing repertoire and sequence structure – in an integrated environment. We demonstrate Koe with a real‐world case study of New Zealand bellbird Anthornis melanura songs from an archipelago metapopulation. Having classified 21,500 units in Koe , we compare repertoires and sequence structure between sites and sexes. Koe is web‐based ( koe.io.ac.nz. ) and easy to use, making it ideal for collaboration, education and citizen science. By enabling large‐scale, high‐resolution classification and analysis of animal vocalizations, Koe expands the possibilities for bioacoustics research.