Do not be deaf to the voice of nature
Listen to the call of the forest
The Białowieża Forest is undeniably one of the most significant biodiversity centers in Poland. Thanks to the TECH4ALL initiative by Huawei, technology has become a vital tool in protecting the rare species that inhabit this ancient forest. Immerse yourself in the melodic chorus of nature, where each sound adds a magical touch to this unique symphony of life.
FORRESTRELEASE
Relaxation music inspired by the sounds of the Białowieża Forest!
About the initiative
TECH4ALL in Białowieża Forest: technology to the rescue of nature
In 2022, Huawei’s global TECH4ALL program was manifested in Poland’s Białowieża Forest. The initiative, in collaboration with Białowieża National Park and the Rainforest Connection (RFCx) startup, led to the creation of an innovative acoustic monitoring system. This method aids in studying local animal species and protecting biodiversity.
The acoustic monitoring system in the park includes 70 offline AudioMoth Edge and 3 Guardian devices designed by Rainforest Connection. The devices record nature’s sounds, especially the vocalizations of various species. Collected data is transferred to the cloud for analysis using artificial intelligence. This advanced technology facilitates real-time observation of wild animal activities, marking a significant step in the protection of unique natural areas like the Białowieża Forest.
The sound material collected through the TECH4ALL initiative will help develop a report analyzing biodiversity in Białowieża National Park. Insights and observations will enhance the protection of rare species in the area. The Białowieża Forest, one of Europe’s last natural forests, is home to thousands of species of animals and plants, including the European bison and the Eurasian lynx. This initiative marks Huawei’s first use of technology for monitoring and protecting wild nature in a Polish national park.
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70
AudioMoth Egde offline devices
3
Guardian
devices
Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) during the period from March 27th to June 9th, 2023
61 locations
AudioMoth recorders were installed in the Białowieża National Park, operating during the peak of bird activity, from April to June
Each recorder collected data for an average of 37 days, resulting in
1 081 790
one-minute recordings
Identified
56 species
(52 birds, 3 mammals, 1 amphibian), which represents about 36% of the 145 species found in Białowieża
The Mammalian Quartet of the Białowieża
Deer
Despite their common presence and recognizability, deer once held a status of royal animals, with hunting privileges exclusively reserved for the royal entourage. These majestic creatures, embodying dignity and strength, play a crucial role in their ecosystems. The deer’s characteristic bellow, serving communication purposes, commands respect and admiration among all forest inhabitants with its profound significance.
Roe deer
The distinctive sound of the male roe deer, akin to barking, is employed to ward off rivals from its territory during the mating season, spanning the turn of July and August. The young are birthed in May or June the following year, coinciding with an optimal abundance of plant food. Sensing danger, the mother roe deer temporarily abandons her young until the threat subsides. If you stumble upon them lying alone in tall grass, do not approach! Withdraw to allow the attentive mother to return.
Wolf
The wolf is globally regarded as one of the most charismatic creatures. These social animals live in groups known as packs, with a distinct hierarchical structure. As symbols of wild nature, intelligence, and strength, wolves command respect from all forest residents. Their characteristic howling, used for long-distance communication and emotional expression, resonates proudly, harmonizing with the moonlit nights in the enigmatic Białowieża Forest.
European bison
The European bison, Europe’s largest mammal, stands as the emblem of Białowieża National Park. Its uniqueness was acknowledged in 1539 by Polish king Sigismund the Old, who imposed a hunting ban, further reinforced in 1803 by Tsar Alexander I Romanov’s decree. These herd animals relish in mud baths, dust rolling, and tree rubbing, emitting a characteristic “grunting” sound that echoes their primal essence.
Bird Radio: Unveiling the Forest's Whispers
Green sandpiper
The green sandpiper, aptly named “samotnik” in Polish (meaning “loner”) is not a sociable bird by nature. It is typically observed in solitude, though occasionally seen in small, sparse groups. This bird shows a preference for the damp, marshy territories of forests. Intriguingly, it relies on other birds for nest-building, laying its eggs in their nests. When departing its habitat for foraging, it emits soft, melodic whistles as it soars into the air.
Tawny owl
In the annals of Greek mythology, the owl, a symbol of wisdom, was a steadfast companion of Athena. The tawny owl, embodying prudence, spends the majority of its days in hollows, where it seamlessly blends into the environment. Preferring the veil of secrecy and mystery, it adopts a nocturnal lifestyle. Its flight, rendered near-silent by its specially adapted feathers, is a marvel of nature. The male, in its quest to attract a mate, emits a loud, distinctive whistle, a sound that pierces the stillness of the night, echoing through the forest’s shadowy realms.
Stock dove
Resembling the urban pigeon yet distinctly wild, the stock dove cherishes a life of seclusion. It nests in the hollows of trees, where it leads a discreet existence alongside its mate. This preference for privacy is echoed in the bird’s vocalizations. Its calm and gentle cooing not only serves to attract a mate but also subtly marks its territory, a serene claim to its place in the natural world.
Wren
Despite its skittish and nervous disposition, the wren has often been portrayed as a valiant hero in folklore, battling against malevolent forces. In winter, these typically introverted birds overcome their solitary nature by roosting in groups, a communal effort to withstand the cold nights. This tiny bird boasts a surprisingly loud voice. Its melodious songs travel far, adding a rich layer of sonority to the forest’s wilderness.
Pygmy owl
The pygmy owl, a guardian of its privacy, is primarily active during the twilight hours of night, dawn, and dusk. During the day, it retreats to the seclusion of dense branches for undisturbed rest. Nevertheless, it reserves its characteristic singing for daylight and to herald its victories in territorial conquests. The gentle whistles of the pygmy owl blend harmoniously, reminiscent of a fable concluding with a moral lesson.
Chiffchaff
Known as “pierwiosnek” in Polish, translating to “primrose,” the chiffchaff owes its name to being among the first birds to herald the arrival of spring after winter’s migration. This small, inconspicuous bird typically inhabits dense bush thickets, navigating them with ease. Its liveliness makes observation a delightful challenge. The bird’s bright, two-syllable song is often accompanied by a dance of joy, involving tail shaking and fluttering of wings, a display of sheer jubilation.
Boreal owl
This petite owl, with its “surprised” appearance, is distinguished by its white-gray plumage edged with darker feathers. It often remains hidden within the tree canopy, but once spotted during the day, one can approach quite closely. Its loud calls can travel up to three kilometers, a testament to its vocal prowess. The boreal owl nests in hollows but doesn’t create them itself. Instead, it occupies those carved by the black woodpecker, emphasizing the importance of hollow trees in the forest ecosystem.
Buzzard
The buzzard, a symbol of adaptability and resilience, thrives in a variety of habitats but shows a preference for open spaces for nesting. This bird, emblematic of strength and power, is a quick learner with a versatile diet, allowing it to adapt seamlessly to different environments. It nests high in trees, favoring a vantage point for rest and vigilant observation. The buzzard’s melodious whistles and sharp, short cries are a testament to its majestic presence, echoing its dominion over its territory.
Wryneck
Related to the woodpecker family, wrynecks are distinguished by their unique appearance and behavior. Their name derives from their unusual neck and head movements, reminiscent of a snake’s. The bird’s camouflage, a mottled pattern of gray, brown, and black, mimics the texture of tree bark. Notably, a brown stripe runs through its eye, complemented by a streaked throat and a spotted underside.
Hazel hen
Regarded as a harbinger of good fortune and a protector against malevolence, the hazel hen’s colorful plumage blends exquisitely with the forest backdrop, making it a challenging yet rewarding bird to observe. While its presence may be subtle, its sharp and metallic voice resonates confidently through the Białowieża Forest, asserting its unique place in this natural kingdom.
Feathered Soloists
Blackbird
Familiar in parks, gardens, and damp forests, the blackbird is a master at nest-building, skillfully using materials like moss, grass, twigs, and, in urban areas, even string, wire, plastic, and paper. Its nests are found both on the ground and in trees. Renowned for its melodious singing, the blackbird’s vocal performances begin at dawn and continue until dusk, making it one of the forest’s most persistent and enchanting soloists.
Golden oriole
The golden oriole, a migratory bird spending winters in Africa, returns to Poland in mid-May. Its vibrant yellow plumage might seem conspicuous, but it nests high in the treetops, cleverly eluding detection. Folklore suggests that its singing in July foretells rain within a few hours, a reflection of the bird’s acute sensitivity to changes in air humidity.
Yellowhammer
The yellowhammer, with its melodic trills, is especially vocal in spring, when its song intensifies. In Poland, these birds are particularly abundant on the outskirts of the Białowieża Forest. Most often observed among willow branches, their coloring harmonizes with the green-yellow hues of the trees, a beautiful example of nature’s camouflage.
Chaffinch
One of the most populous breeding birds in Poland, the chaffinch is easily recognizable. The males are notable for their brick-red bellies and distinctive cheeks, while the females are more subdued, dressed in shades of olive-brown. Their Latin name, “Fringilla coelebs”, translates to “single, unmarried finch”, a nod to the females’ winter migration south, leaving the hardier males behind.
Cuckoo
It is said that in Europe, the cuckoo’s call is a herald of spring. Its distinctive “cuckoo” sound, the mating song of the males, evokes the essence of a leisurely forest walk on a sunny spring day. Despite their recognizability, cuckoos are elusive due to their skittish nature. These ingenious birds do not incubate their eggs but cunningly lay them in the nests of other birds, relieving themselves of parental duties.
Crane
Symbolizing happiness, longevity, and prosperity, cranes are a majestic presence in the Białowieża Forest. Known for their graceful demeanor and rich plumage, they cherish strong family bonds. Their sonorous calls, carrying for kilometers, serve to warn, socialize, and express a range of emotions, highlighting the crane’s integral role in the ecosystem.
Organizers
Białowieża National Park
Białowieża National Park, the epicenter of biological richness in Polish forests, offers a picturesque landscape that serves as a haven for tens of thousands of organisms leading peaceful lives, undisturbed by human interference.
Since 1979, the park has been a proud feature on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the two natural sites in Poland, functioning in tandem with the rest of Białowieża Forest since 2014. It is celebrated as a unique exemplar of ongoing ecological processes and as an area housing representative natural habitats of immense universal value. This includes significant biodiversity typical of natural forests in temperate climate zone.
With over a century of rigorous protection, human activity within a substantial area of Białowieża National Park has been significantly reduced. Consequently, this section of the Białowieża Forest stands as one of the few locations in Europe that still possesses the characteristics of a primeval forest.
RFCx
Rainforest Connection is an innovative American startup that has earned widespread recognition in environmental and biodiversity protection. Specializing in digital and bio-acoustic tools, the company is dedicated to protecting rainforests and other ecosystems across the globe. Their approach synergizes advanced technology with ecological principles, enhancing the protection of endangered ecosystems and wildlife.
Rainforest Connection is renowned for its Guardian project, a system designed to monitor forest sounds and combat illegal logging and poaching. Operating on solar-powered listening devices equipped with microphones and antennas, this technology enables real-time monitoring of wildlife activities and facilitates immediate protective action. The Guardian project has been implemented in various regions worldwide, including Costa Rica, the Philippines, Greece, Malaysia, Ireland, Chile, the United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, Mexico and Poland.
In collaboration with Huawei’s TECH4ALL and other partners, Rainforest Connection plays a pivotal role in executing effective measures to safeguard our planet.
Huawei Tech4ALL
The TECH4ALL initiative, conceived by Huawei, was established to ensure universal access to the digital world. Its fundamental premise is to employ modern solutions to construct a better future, both technologically and socially. Through TECH4ALL, Huawei dedicates its efforts to four critical areas: education, environment, healthcare and development. This focus is a testament to Huawei’s commitment to driving positive change through innovative technology.
In the realm of environmental protection, TECH4ALL has already spearheaded numerous successful projects. Notable achievements include mitigating the impact of human activities on whale populations in Ireland and safeguarding the northern chamois from poaching in Greece.
TECH4ALL also fosters collaboration with a diverse range of partners, including international non-governmental organizations and educational institutions. This collaborative approach aims to engage as broad an audience as possible, uniting those who share a common goal: taking decisive actions today to secure a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone.
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