Building Bioacoustics in Africa
The African Bioacoustics Community
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 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.
A great deal of our creative outreach happens through ABC's Listening for Life project, a science-art collaboration that uses murals, community workshops, and public participation to connect people with the soundscapes of the natural world, including a series of murals painted around Skukuza in Kruger National Park in partnership with the HC360 graffiti crew.
Key upcoming events
For more information, see www.africanbioacoustics.org
Conference: 5th African Bioacoustics Community Biennial
Join our growing community as we host our biennial conference on the shores of beautiful Lake Naivasha in Kenya. Showcasing exciting discoveries, insightful analytics, and new technology, our interdisciplinary conference encourages participation from around the globe while highlighting African-led work across the continent.
Conference Dates: 22nd - 27th November 2026
Residential workshop: The Little Bioacoustics Jamii @ Mpala Research Centre, Kenya
Jump on from the 5th African Bioacoustics Community Conference to the Little Bioacoustics Jamii, an engaging, participant-driven residential workshop to encourage organic collaboration in bioacoustics science. Serenaded by the savanna soundscape - enjoy a flexible agenda that prioritises open discussion, networking, and scientific and creative exploration of natural sound. From sound recording and equipment to big data challenges - we have created a welcoming space for engagement between attendees at all points in their bioacoustics journey
Workshop dates: 29th November - 4th December 2026
SAVE THE DATE: The International Bioacoustics Congress, 2027.
Join us in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, for the 30th Anniversary of IBAC. For the first time on African soil, the ABC is bringing IBAC to the Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre, Skukuza. More information to be released soon!
Conference Dates: 26th September – 01st October 2027
For workshop and plenary submissions, please email: ibac2027@gmail.com
All conference information: www.ibac2027.com
