Mice ultrasonic detection and localization in laboratory environment

Abstract

The acoustic detection and localization of mice movement by monitoring their ultrasonic vocalization has been demonstrated in laboratory environment using ultrasonic system with three microphones that provides recording of ultrasound up to 120 kHz. The tests were approved by Stony Brook University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocol. Signals were recorded in a set of discrete sequences over several hours. The locomotor activity was characterized by durations up to 3000 ms and wide spectral content, while the syllable vocalization constituted shorter 200 ms events, with a set of identifiable up and down frequency modulated tones between 3 kHz and 55 kHz. The Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) to various microphones was calculated using cross correlation method and was applied for estimation for mice location. Mice are among the invasive species that have a potential of crossing borders of USA unnoticed in containers. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using acoustic methods for detection of potential rodent intrusions. This work was sponsored by DHS S&T.