Learn more about natural sounds
The following resources and research provide information on the benefits of listening to sounds of nature on human well-being, and how natural sounds are used to support conservation efforts. In addition, we invite you to explore other organisations’ efforts at capturing and using natural soundscapes.
Human Well-Being
Conservation
&
Biodiversity
Cool Sounds
Human Well-Being
Research shows that listening to natural sounds can have a positive impact on physical and psychological well-being. See below for more information.
A peer-reviewed article summarizing the health benefits of listening to natural sounds, while look at the distribution of beneficial sounds in U.S. National Parks.
Two popular media articles (Smithsonian Magazine and Nature Conservancy Canada) summarizing the above study on the health benefits of listening to natural sounds and which U.S. National Parks offer the most beneficial listening opportunities.
A blog post on how and why to listen to natural sounds and what health benefits they offer to those who listening closely.
A lengthy examination of the types of natural sounds and how anyone can benefit from listening.


Conservation & Biodiversity
By documenting natural sounds, conservationists can learn more about ecosystems, wildlife behavior, and the impact humans have on nature and biodiversity. See below for more information.
International non-profit initiative dedicated to advocating for the protection of nature and it’s natural sounds.
International non-profit dedicated to protecting natural quiet in parks and protected areas around the globe.
Popular media article explores how AI and natural sounds recordings examine biodiversity trends in forests in Ecuador.
Peer-reviewed paper summary explores how AI and natural sounds recordings can be used to track global biodiversity targets.
Popular media article discusses why the loss of natural sounds hinders human connections to the natural world.
Podcast epsisode explores the conservation value of the field of bioacoustics.
Podcast episode explores how bioacoustics can help advance indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
Cool Sounds
Digital access to natural and cultural sounds increases accessibility to nature for those who don’t have the physical, financial, and time capabilities. See below for more information.
Natural and cultural sounds from U.S. National Parks.
A diversity of biological sounds from Colombia as presented by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute.
Mixed media article explores the sounds of ‘Pando’ one of the world’s largest organisms.
Storymap of sounds that can be experienced across the four major ecosystems of Montana in the U.S.
Popular media article highlights an album of rare birdsongs collected across Australia.
Collection of user-submitted recordings from woodlands and forests from around the world.
Listen to forests from around the world.
