I have been reviewing acoustic bat records for years and adding IDs when the recordings are sufficient for identification. A significant issue is that far too many post “screenshots” of whatever software they use. In most cases, these are not at a sufficient resolution for the identification of species. The X-axis – time is not at a standard setting, e.g., 10 millisecond tick marks, and in a compressed mode to show a call sequence and not only a few pulses. The Y-axis for frequency also needs to be on a logarithmic scale rather than a linear one. This is necessary to visually identify the family, genus, and possibly species of submitted calls. However, unlike photographs used for other taxa, the actual call file must be posted along with any screenshots to verify the species, if possible, in order to compare the calls with the verified vocal signature of each species.
Even as I continue to post comments that “Screen shots are not adequate for identification w/o call files” this clearly not useful as people continue to only post only images. The fact that most “Auto-ID” algorithms are not yet capable of reliable identification in many cases precludes the acceptance of what someone may have seen suggested on their phone or other identification suggestions.
How can this be remedied so that all of these potentially valuable contributions can be included on iNat, especially as they are also included in GBIF species distribution searches for ecological and conservation studies?
Allowing upload of ZC files will enhance iNat. bat call records. Many of the discussion points were from some individuals with little or no experience with bat acsoutics. For example the point was made by one person that sound i.e , WAV files were OK as they may not require “specialized” software to use. However as ALL bat calls are above the range of human hearing as Ultrasound this is not relevant as ALL bat calls need to use sound software for those frequency ranges. Therefore allowing ZC file to also be uploaded will enhance iNat. Bat records significantly. As All files uploaded will need to use bat call software of one form or another. How can this issue be addressed?
you may be misinterpreting what was actually written in that thread. you should read it again. if you want to advocate for ZC, you can always ask moderators to reopen that thread so that you can add your thoughts there.
Very much agree that the call file should be included and that staff have asked for screenshots of spectrograms not to be posted. I think it’s good to educate users, though sometimes a thankless task as you have noted. You could write a journal post outlining the issues with spectrograms and expressing why audiofiles are needed and then link to it in comments to allow for easier education.
If you know that the evidence presented is insufficient to ID beyond a certain level, you can always disagree to that level and tick “as good as can be” when appropriate.
The screenshots are OK as long as the sound file is included. However, screenshots should have the X and Y axes of the bat call software at a standard, comparable setting for potential users to confidently identify the taxa.