Exploring Soundscapes

A scientist records natural sounds in a giant sequoia - mixed conifer forest, Kings Canyon National Park.

NPS Photo

Scientists use specialized equipment to record soundscapes. Studying the diversity and patterns of sound can help us better understand how species diversity varies among places and over time. For example, we can learn how wildfire affects the abundance and diversity of birds in giant sequoia forests with and without prior prescribed burning, how the presence of non-native fish may change the abundance and variety of birds and bats foraging at lakes, and how species composition changes over the course of a season or many years. Biological monitoring with the use of continuous recording acoustic equipment also provides opportunities to extend surveys to places and intervals when it is inconvenient or impossible for observers to be present. Visit the links below to experience the parks' soundscape for yourself!

 

Listening to Park Soundscapes

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  Soundscape Story Map

  Explore natural sounds across the elevations of these parks - from the foothills to the high-elevation alpine zones.

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  Park Sound Library

  Visit a digital sound library where you can select park sounds via an interactive web map.

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  NPS Natural Sounds Website

  Learn more about natural sounds and how we study them.

 

 

Duration:

8 minutes, 51 seconds

Explore the sounds of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, visiting scenic landscapes from the foothills to conifer forests, meadows, and high-elevation alpine areas and listening to the rich diversity of sounds across park elevations.