Protecting Nature's Wonders

AI's Role in Wildlife Tracking and Monitoring

AI is playing a crucial role in environmental conservation efforts by assisting in wildlife tracking and monitoring [1]. Through the use of AI-powered systems, such as drones, sensors, and satellite imagery, researchers and conservationists can collect data on animal populations, migration patterns, and habitat changes [2]. This data helps in making informed decisions for the protection and preservation of wildlife and their ecosystems. In this blog post, we will explore how AI is empowering environmental conservation, enabling effective wildlife tracking and monitoring to safeguard the planet's biodiversity.

Real-Life Examples of AI Implementation in Wildlife Monitoring

Domain Awareness System by Vulcan Inc

The Domain Awareness System (DAS) is an AI-powered tool that provides real-time monitoring and analysis of animal movements and potential threats to wildlife [3]. Using data from drones, sensors, and satellite imagery, DAS can detect poaching activities and alert park rangers, enabling them to protect vulnerable species effectively. This system is used by many wildlife preserving organizations i.e. Wildlife Conservation Society, Save the Elephants, Frankfurt Zoology Society and many more [3].

Conservation Metrics' AI-powered Bird Monitoring

Conservation Metrics, a company specialized in wildlife conservation technology, developed an AI-powered system that analyzes audio data to track bird populations [4]. Their AI system can process thousands of hours of field audio recordings, identify different bird species by their calls, and estimate their population sizes and distributions. This system provides a powerful tool for monitoring bird populations and understanding the impacts of climate change and habitat loss.

The Impact of AI on Wildlife Conservation

The integration of AI in wildlife tracking and monitoring is revolutionizing conservation efforts. By providing more accurate, comprehensive, and real-time data, AI is enhancing our understanding of wildlife and their habitats, informing conservation strategies, and helping to protect endangered species [5].

The Future of AI in Wildlife Conservation

As AI continues to advance, its applications in wildlife conservation are expected to grow. Future innovations may include more sophisticated AI algorithms for identifying and tracking individual animals, predicting wildlife population trends, and monitoring habitat changes. These advancements will further empower conservationists in their mission to protect the planet's biodiversity [6].

References

Pimm, S. et al. (2015). Emerging Technologies to Conserve Biodiversity. Trends in Ecology & Evolution. Source: https://www.cell.com/trends/ecology-evolution/fulltext/S0169-5347(15)00212-8

Wall, J., Wittemyer, G., Klinkenberg, B., & Douglas-Hamilton, I. (2014). Novel opportunities for wildlife conservation and research with real-time monitoring. Ecological Applications.

Source: https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1890/13-1971.1

Appsolutely Digital. (2017). Domain Awareness System.

Source: http://www.appsolutelydigital.com/WildLife/resources/Vulcan_DAS.pdf

Conservation Metrics. (2023). Bird Monitoring with AI.

Source: https://conservationmetrics.com/wildlife-monitoring-tools/

Silvestro, D., Goria, S., Sterner, t., & Antonelli, A. (2022). Improving biodiversity protection through artificial intelligence.

Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-022-00851-6

Koh, L. P., & Wich, S. A. (2012). Dawn of drone ecology: low-cost autonomous aerial vehicles for conservation. Tropical Conservation Science.

Source: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/194008291200500202