By Sukanya Ganesh — Feb 5, 2024

🐅AI: Wildlife Techno-Guardian

From decoding wildlife chatter to predicting threats, AI transforms conservation, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with our wild neighbors.

Photo by Udara Karunarathna / Unsplash

Today's Highlights

How AI helps wildlife enthusiasts in automated species identification

Learn - a couple of courses to further your knowledge in AI

AI Jobs - a listing of fresh jobs related to AI

In Other News - a few interesting developments we're tracking

In the rapidly evolving landscape of wildlife conservation, Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the approach. At the forefront is automated species identification, a cutting-edge fusion of technology and ecological stewardship. There are currently over 42,100 species threatened with extinction across the globe. Managing data is crucial to understanding the factors contributing to the reduction in animal species. Scientists and researchers are looking to artificial intelligence (AI) to understand the various causes driving animal groups to extinction and try to mitigate the damage. By leveraging data on where animals are born, survival rates, migration routes and distances, researchers can also paint a larger picture of animal habits and their habitats.

CONSERVATION METRICS

Conservation Metrics is a company that specializes in developing technology solutions for wildlife monitoring, with a particular focus on using artificial intelligence (AI). One of their notable products is Trailguard AI, a software designed to enhance wildlife conservation efforts and address the challenges of anti-poaching initiatives.

Trailguard AI Software:

Specifically designed for analyzing camera trap images
Utilizes machine learning for: animal detection and species identification

Contributions to Conservation:

Aids in automated and efficient processing of large volumes of camera trap data
Accelerates the identification of wildlife species
Contributes to anti-poaching initiatives by detecting and notifying authorities about potential threats or suspicious activities

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON

Instant Wild, developed by the Zoological Society of London, is a citizen science project that engages the public in wildlife monitoring. Through the use of camera traps, images are captured and shared by citizen scientists.

AI Species Identification:

Automated Identification - Applies AI algorithms to automatically identify species in the images
Real-time Data - Provides real-time data on wildlife populations through automated analysis

Significance:

Public Involvement - Engages the public in conservation efforts
Efficient Monitoring - AI-enhanced identification streamlines wildlife monitoring processes

AFRICAN PARKS

African Parks, a non-profit conservation organization, utilizes technology, including AI, to monitor and protect wildlife in various parks across Africa.

Technology Integration:

Utilization of AI - Incorporates technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), for conservation purposes
Diverse Applications - Applies technology for monitoring and protection initiatives

Automated Species Identification:

AI Contribution - Implements automated species identification through AI
Preservation of Biodiversity - Aids in efforts to preserve biodiversity in African parks

Significance:

Efficiency - Enhances efficiency in wildlife monitoring and protection activities
Comprehensive Conservation - Technology integration supports a holistic approach to biodiversity conservation

Conservationists are transforming ecosystem protection with advanced technologies. Acoustic monitoring decodes unique sounds, while data integration combines satellite imagery and climate data. AI-driven citizen science engages individuals in valuable observations. Early threat detection and genetic monitoring, powered by AI, enable swift intervention for endangered species. Predictive modeling anticipates environmental changes for informed conservation strategies. Machine learning automates species identification, enhancing data processing and empowering impactful decisions for sustainable coexistence with the natural world.