Passive acoustic monitoring of endangered endemic Afromontane tropical species: A case study with two turacos

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is a reliable method for studying the behaviour and ecology of vocally active animals, providing insights into species' activity patterns. Here, we utilised a year-long recording programme conducted in six areas of the Afromontane tropical forest of Cameroon to assess the utility of PAM, describe the annual and circadian vocal activity patterns, and assess the relationship between vocal activity and climate conditions for two African turaco species: the endemic and Endangered Bannerman's turaco (Tauraco bannermani) and the common, but locally at risk, Great blue turaco (Corythaeola cristata). The automated software detected 8670 vocalisations of Bannerman's turaco and 374 of the Great blue turaco, proving the ability of passive acoustics, coupled with automated software, for monitoring these species. Our findings suggest that both turacos are sedentary and seasonal breeders, exhibiting larger peaks of vocal activity during the dry season, although both species showed smaller activity peaks during the wet season. Similar circadian patterns were observed for both species, with activity peaks occurring at dawn and dusk. Long-term monitoring programmes of both species should be implemented in the study areas, especially regarding the Great blue turaco, which may soon disappear from Bamenda Highlands.