Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Wolf howl identification technology excites experts

Individual wild wolves can be recognised by just their howls with 100% accuracy, a study has shown.

The team from Nottingham Trent University, UK, developed a computer program to analyse the vocal signatures of eastern grey wolves.

Wolves roam huge home ranges, making it difficult for conservationists to track them visually.

But the technology could provide a way for experts to monitor individual wolves by sound alone.

"Wolves howl a lot in the wild," said PhD student Holly Root-Gutteridge, who led the research.

"Now we can be sure... exactly which wolf it is that's howling."

The team's findings are published in the journal Bioacoustics.

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