Hymn.earth
Back in 2023, I began recording and building a library of sounds from some of the most remotest parts of the Western Ghats and other ecologically sensitive regions across India. I was inspired by the works of Nils Mosh, founder of Earth.fm, who advocates for local field recording as a way to uncover hidden acoustic treasures, foster community connections and help users reconnect with nature and support environmental conservation efforts.
Western Ghats and it's shrinking biodiversity
India’s Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, is home to a rich array of endemic and endangered amphibian species. While some have only recently been identified, many others are believed to be awaiting discovery.
A study on the neighboring riverscapes have indicated a 41% decline in evergreen forests and a 60% fragmentation of contiguous forests between 1973 and 2018. This ongoing habitat loss is posing significant threats to the region's rich biodiversity and ecological balance.
This has resulted in an increased risk of natural disasters, decline in air and soil quality, loss of cultural connections and livelihood, rising temperatures, increased human-wildlife conflict in this region.
Why Record Sounds?
Sound reveals the hidden changes happening in our ecosystems. When species disappear, so do their voices, changing the rhythm of life around us. Some shifts, like fewer buzzing and chirping sounds of insects and birds, disappearing population of fireflies or birds migrating earlier, are relatively easy to notice, while others only show up through sound recordings. For instance, In Kalimantan, Indonesia, researchers found that logged forests had a completely different daily soundscape than untouched ones.
Why Hymn.earth?
With Hymn.Earth, I want to help people reconnect with nature by providing high-quality recordings from some of the most remote and ecologically rich landscapes in India. In addition to the audio, I am working to offer insights into the region’s ecological sensitivity. I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world and raise awareness about the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems.
Over the coming decades, species are predicted to go extinct at 1000 times the historical natural rate. In 100 years, the planet may lose up to 50 percent of all species alive today. Hear the song of the last Kauai O'o bird and learn more about what is causing mass extinction.
My Recordings
Below is a sample from a library of my recordings from the Western Ghats. Immerse yourself, as the forest comes alive in the early morning. Listen closely—how many different bird calls can you pick out? Each sound tells a story of the rich biodiversity hidden within these landscapes. Put on your headphones, close your eyes, and see if you can recognize the voices of the wild.