How to Use the Macaulay Library MCP in Claude

Q: Can Claude Desktop fetch recording locations using Macaulay Library tools?

Yes, it can. The getasset tool retrieves the exact coordinates, observer details, and recording dates for any media ID you provide.

Q: Can I filter the recent uploads feed?

You can ask your agent to filter the output of getrecentmedia by specific criteria like region or contributor. The tool returns the raw feed, and Claude Desktop handles the sorting.

Get instant access to the Macaulay Library wildlife media archive directly inside Claude Desktop.

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Connect Macaulay Library MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect Macaulay Library to Claude Desktop and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup Macaulay Library with Claude Desktop

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Search Macaulay Library media using Claude Desktop

`search_media` lets your agent query the massive Macaulay Library database for specific animal recordings and videos directly from your chat window. You provide a species name or taxonomic code, and the tool returns a filtered list of matching media files. This means you don't have to keep a browser tab open to find reference files. Your Claude Desktop client runs the query, grabs the relevant results, and drops them straight into your active conversation.

Extract deep asset metadata

`get_asset` pulls the exact recording details, location data, and observer notes for any specific media ID. You feed this tool an asset identifier, and it returns structured metadata. Instead of guessing the context of a recording, you get the exact date, time, and gear used. Claude Desktop reads this structured output to help you analyze wildlife behavior patterns or verify recording conditions.

Monitor real-time media uploads

`get_recent_media` keeps you updated on the newest audio and video submissions added to the archive. Your agent calls this tool to retrieve a feed of the latest contributions. You can use this to track seasonal migrations or check what field researchers are uploading right now. Claude Desktop parses the feed so you can spot trends without manual browsing.

Setup guide

Set up Macaulay Library MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The Macaulay Library MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the Macaulay Library MCP configuration

Copy the JSON snippet on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under macaulay-library-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "macaulay-library-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by Macaulay Library. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about Macaulay Library MCP in Claude Desktop

Run a query with the species name directly in your chat. Claude Desktop uses `search_media` to pull the matching recordings and displays them in your conversation.

Yes, it can. The `get_asset` tool retrieves the exact coordinates, observer details, and recording dates for any media ID you provide.

The server returns metadata and URLs for the media assets. Claude Desktop displays these links so you can listen to or view the files in your browser.

You can ask your agent to filter the output of `get_recent_media` by specific criteria like region or contributor. The tool returns the raw feed, and Claude Desktop handles the sorting.

Your search queries and requested asset IDs are sent directly to the Macaulay Library API through a secure V8 sandbox. Vinkius does not log or store the specific wildlife taxonomic codes or media metadata you retrieve.

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