AI has become one of the largest technological advances of this century – from smartphones, smart tvs, voice activated devices, progression in modern development. Artificial Intelligence has allowed for new discoveries and improvements within various industrial fields such as – aviation, automotive, technology, medicine, manufacturing…and now wildlife preservation. Our wildlife has gained benefits from integrating AI into the conversation. There are five main ways AI has furthered the salvation of the environment. Let’s take a look –
Animal tracking, increased biodiversity, detection of poachers, species differentiation, and sound surveillance are the fields of progression. Environmental changes, harmful weather conditions and dangerous external factors hinder the harmony of ecosystems and can alter population size of a species. The reassurance that AI will assist to the health and stability of the environment, will build a stronger foundation than previously tried advancements.
Animal tracking
The significance of tracking animals lies within the future for these species. Calculating the whereabouts, the migration, the population size, the evolution and overall health of a specific animal or group can help improve the livelihood and stability of those groups. Tracks, droppings, and rubbings are naked to the untrained eye, that’s where AI comes into play. AI has created a Microsoft program called Wild Me, where collected information is displayed on an individual animal’s or group’s profile, allowing for the visualization and understanding of these animals movements.
The data collected from this program is used by scientists to make progressive and positive conservation decisions, while supporting efforts for the protection of all groups.
Increased Biodiversity
Adding to the previous field, AI is able to track down individual animals that have left their group or native environment, and help return them home. This makes sure they do not become invasive species or subject to illegal poachings.
Endangered species have been guided by these AI programs, aiding their survival. Rangers are able to use the tracking profile to create a pathway for lost or wandering animals, this way they are able to interfere if a danger were to occur.
Poacher Detection
The tracking programs paired with AI engineered drones, are able to identify and locate poachers for rangers to halt the unnecessary killings. The TrailGuard AI camera is one of the magnificent tools that can save lives – alerting rangers in real time if poachers enter wildlife reserves, allowing them to be apprehended before it goes south. About 35,000 African elephants are killed every year, if these projects and systems help reduce that number, society has developed something monumental.
Sound Surveillance
The detection of outside dangers or interferences can also be found with sound surveillance. Sound recognition systems are placed within discreet areas of the tracked environment, and pick up whatever noise is prevalent nearby. It deciphers what noises are natural, animal produced, or threats, then after a thorough analysis the sound is transcribed for those monitoring to take action.
This is another way that rangers can keep animals safe, and help scientists and organizations keep track of certain species or groups.
Species Differentiation
There are many definitive attributes and characteristics of animals within the wild but many share tight similarities. With the ability to differentiate species, this can bring more accurate data of a species population size, health, and many other previously stated aspects. Through photographs and sound recognition, AI programs have found a faster way to identify an animal through using the connected profiles. This monitoring system can also give scientists and trackers a good understanding of how these animals behave in the wild, allowing for better ways to promote adaptation if a species were in need of dire rehabilitation or relocation.
