The natural world is facing unprecedented challenges. Habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, climate change – these threats are pushing countless species to the brink of extinction. Yet, amidst these challenges, a beacon of hope emerges: digital innovation. This World Wildlife Day, let’s celebrate how technology is revolutionizing wildlife conservation, fostering a deeper connection between people and planet.
For decades, wildlife conservation relied heavily on traditional methods. Dedicated individuals ventured deep into the wild, meticulously collecting data and observing animal behavior. While these efforts remain essential, the scale and complexity of today’s conservation needs demand more. This is where technology steps in, offering a powerful suite of tools:
Satellite-based object detection
In the dynamic field of wildlife and forest conservation, where every moment is crucial, the integration of cutting-edge technology has emerged as a game-changer. Satellite-based object detection, fueled by advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, is revolutionizing the way researchers and conservationists approach the challenges of monitoring and preserving our planet’s precious ecosystems.
Poachers often target remote areas, making it difficult for rangers to patrol effectively.Real-time satellite image analysis can detect signs of poaching activity like vehicle tracks near watering holes or sudden changes in vegetation patterns. An algorithm identifies fresh vehicle tracks near a known elephant corridor in a satellite image. Rangers receive an alert and are dispatched to the area, potentially preventing poaching activity.
Traditional methods of tracking wildlife migrations (GPS collars) can be expensive and limited in scope. Object detection in satellite imagery can identify and track animal herds based on their size, shape, and movement patterns. Satellite images reveal a large group of migrating wildebeest approaching a critical river crossing point. Park rangers can be deployed to monitor the crossing and ensure safe passage for the animals.
Monitoring vast landscapes for subtle changes in habitat quality due to invasive species or drought can be time-consuming.Algorithms can analyze satellite imagery for changes in vegetation health, water availability, and land cover. Analysis of satellite images reveals drying up of watering holes in a critical wildlife reserve during a drought. Conservationists can take preventive measures like transporting water to the area or relocating animals.
Tracking illegal wildlife trafficking routes is difficult due to their clandestine nature.Object detection can identify suspicious activity like frequent movement of vehicles near protected areas or known smuggling routes.Satellite imagery analysis detects unusual truck activity near a border known for illegal wildlife trafficking. Authorities can investigate the area and potentially intercept illegal wildlife shipments.
Citizen Scientists and AI for Wildlife Conservation
The vast scale of wildlife monitoring presents a significant challenge for conservationists. However, innovative solutions are emerging, blurring the lines between artificial intelligence (AI) and citizen science. One such example is Wildbook, a cloud-based platform developed by the non-profit Wild Me.
Combining the power of AI with the collective eyes of citizen scientists, Wildbook tackles the task of wildlife identification through a collaborative approach:
- Citizen scientists upload photos of wildlife to the platform, including those captured via camera traps, personal observations, or even social media.
- Advanced computer vision algorithms analyze these images, identifying species based on distinctive markings and patterns, such as stripes on a zebra or spots on a cheetah.
- Deep learning allows the platform to continuously improve its accuracy as more images are added and analyzed.
Identifying endangered pangolins: Thousands of pangolin scale images are uploaded by citizen scientists, allowing Wildbook’s AI to learn subtle variations and accurately identify individual pangolins, crucial for anti-poaching efforts.
Monitoring whale shark populations: Citizen scientists and researchers contribute photos of whale shark dorsal fins, enabling Wildbook to create a global catalogue and track individual whale sharks across vast expanses of ocean, providing valuable insights into their migration patterns and population health.
Tracking jaguars in the Amazon: Camera trap images uploaded by researchers and local communities are analyzed by Wildbook’s AI, revealing individual jaguars and their territories, informing conservation strategies to protect these elusive big cats.
AI and Anti Poaching
While AI presents challenges in the fight against wildlife crime, its potential for proactive anti-poaching efforts is undeniable. One such example is the Protection Assistant for Wildlife Security (PAWS), a groundbreaking software developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota.
AI can also help boost anti-poaching efforts. The software Protection Assistant for Wildlife Security (PAWS) takes in past poaching records and the geographic data of the protected area to predict poachers’ future behavior, and design poaching risk maps and optimal patrol routes for rangers.
PAWS leverages the power of artificial intelligence to:
- Analyze vast amounts of data: PAWS ingests historical poaching records, ranger patrol reports, and geographical data of protected areas.
- Predict poacher behavior: By analyzing past patterns, PAWS can predict areas with a higher likelihood of future poaching activity.
- Generate risk maps: This information is then translated into real-time poaching risk maps, highlighting areas where rangers should focus their patrols for maximum impact.
- Optimize patrol routes: PAWS also suggests optimal patrol routes, considering factors like terrain, accessibility, and predicted poaching hotspots, allowing rangers to cover more ground efficiently.
During its trial run in the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary in Cambodia, a critical habitat for endangered species like tigers, PAWS delivered remarkable results.
- Doubled snare detection: By utilizing PAWS-generated risk maps and patrol routes, rangers were able to double the number of snares detected and removed during their patrols in the first month.
- Enhanced protection: This not only deterred potential poaching activities but also protected vulnerable wildlife populations within the sanctuary.
Technological innovation holds immense potential to ensure a future where people and planet thrive together. However, ensuring equitable access to these tools and fostering greater collaboration among conservationists, scientists, engineers, and the public are crucial for success. By harnessing the power of digital solutions, we can move beyond awareness and translate it into tangible action, creating a future where wildlife flourishes and our connection to the planet strengthens.
This World Wildlife Day, let’s pledge to embrace the digital revolution in wildlife conservation. Let’s connect with the natural world through technology, and together, create a future where people and planet are one.
