A cost-benefit analysis of automated call recorders

Automated survey devices have the potential to improve the efficiency and extent of field surveys, but their success in doing so is rarely tested. This study examines the potential value of a simple automated call recorder for use in amphibian surveys in south-eastern Australia. We conduct a cost benefit analysis comparing automated call recorders and single site stationary auditory survey. Each technique has its own benefits in regards to data quality and collection. Overall, we found automated call recorders to be cheaper than manual surveys to achieve the same objective in our system. The use of automated call recorders should be considered in many studies and could be extended to include a range of other animal groups.