Hello. I am a canid behaviorist studying the New Guinea singing dog (Canis
hallstromi). We urgently need to devise a way to record their various
unusual non-howling vocalizations in order to describe them and compare to
other taxa. Many of their vocalizations are correlated with specific
behaviors, such as greeting or solicitation, and are low volume and short
duration. The dogs are very environmentally sensitive, and cease on-going
behaviors if one points a camera or microphone toward them. All potential
subjects are companion pets, and so the environment will be complex but
controllable and the recordings made by owners. I thought that perhaps the
best way to catch these vocalizations would be to have a remote microphone
on their collar, one that can record continuously while the dogs are put
into situations that evoke the specific vocalizations. I know nothing about
recording equipment, and have joined this list to get advice on technique
and equipment. The description of NGSD vocalizations are vitally important
for gaining this endangered canid general recognition as a taxa separate
from modern dogs, thus facilitating their conservation both in captivity and
in the wild.
Our tiny group has very limited funds, so cost is a factor for equipment.
So, I would be most grateful for any suggestions. If this is not of general
interest to the group, please reply directly. Thank you very much for your
attention.
Sincerely, Jan
Janice Koler-Matznick, MS, CPDT
The Dog Advisor Behavior Service
The New Guinea Singing Dog Conservation Society
The Primitive and Aboriginal Dog Society
IUCN Canid Specialist Group member
5265 Old Stage Road
Central Point, OR 97502 USA
Phone/fax: 541-664-4023
Cell: 541-621-9290
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