Arthur GUIBARD : Analysis of the propagation constraints on the acoustic communication networks among mountain galliformes

from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2022
Date of thesis defence: 07 July 2023

laboratories : LMFA (Lyon) et ENES Neuro-PSI (Saint-Etienne)
thesis supervisor : Frédéric SEBE, Didier DRAGNA, Sébastien OLIVIER

Summary : 

The study of communication networks in birds is still poorly developed, especially with regard to the impact of propagation constraints on the organization of these interactions. Indeed, in an outdoor environment, the propagation of an acoustic signal is strongly modified by meteorological effects and ground effects. Especially in the mountains, propagation is highly dependent on topography. Thus, modelling the propagation of acoustic signals is likely to provide important information for understanding these communication networks. We plan to develop a transversal approach by combining physical data on signal propagation and biological data on the spatial and temporal structure of acoustic networks. This PhD project aims to develop a simplified sound wave propagation code dedicated to bioacoustic studies and based on the ray tracing method. Using this model, we will study how the environment in mountainous areas (topography, weather,...) and the effects on acoustic propagation influence the exchange of information between birds, in order to build a spatial representation of information and communication networks.