Published December 15, 2025 | Version v1

Automated Biodiversity Monitoring Stations (ABMS): Biodiversa+ ABMS Pilot report

Description

This report presents the outcomes of the Biodiversa+ Automated Biodiversity Monitoring Stations (ABMS) Pilot, implemented in 2024 and 2025.

The pilot tested the feasibility of a transnational sensor network for biodiversity monitoring across Europe, focusing on birds, bats and night-flying insects. Around 200 sensors were deployed at 70 sampling locations across 12 EU Member States, covering forest, grassland and wetland habitats. The sensors included acoustic recorders for birds and bats, automated camera systems for night-flying insects, and temperature and moisture loggers.

The pilot generated large volumes of acoustic, image and environmental data, which were processed through open-source artificial intelligence pipelines and supported by expert verification. These workflows produced preliminary species records and enabled the development of indicators linked to Essential Biodiversity Variables, including ecosystem phenology, community abundance and taxonomic diversity.

The report highlights that automated sensor networks can support scalable and standardised biodiversity monitoring, while also identifying practical requirements for wider implementation. These include robust data infrastructure, agreed protocols, expert verification, local processing options, realistic cost planning and strong coordination across partners.

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Biodiversa_ABMS-Pilot-report.pdf

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Additional details

Funding

European Commission
Biodiversa-plus - The European Biodiversity Partnership 101052342