How can AI help in wildlife conservation?

How can AI help in wildlife conservation?

---

With artificial intelligence seeping into multiple sectors, Wildlife conservation and protection can also transform itself thanks to the application of advanced technology. But how can AI help in wildlife conservation? Whether for locating endangered animals, registering and predicting sightings and migration patterns or combatting poachers, AI has become a valuable tool for researchers. This article will examine how incorporating AI in wildlife conservation can help researchers protect wild animals and strengthen wildlife security.

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. In fact, wildlife with little data faces twice as much risk of dying out.

Thousands of businesses and institutions are turning to advanced technology in their digital transformation efforts. Scientists and researchers are also 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.

How can AI help in protecting wildlife?

The use of AI technology for wildlife protection can help animals and humans live more harmoniously in their environments. Different factors can affect wildlife protection. These include human activities, invasive species, climate change, poor governance, etc. These interferences can hinder animal population sizes. The use of data and technology can help detect and identify how to restore these habitats. Here are some of the ways AI can assist in animal conservation:

Identifying and tracking endangered species: Scientists and researchers can use AI algorithms to identify and classify wildlife in images and videos captured by a camera trap and drones. The same can be done with acoustic monitoring to detect the presence, distribution, populations and movements of wildlife species. This can also be compared to images of deforestation and urbanisation to correlate information.

Use predictive modelling: An AI algorithm can develop predictive models that can help understand the future distribution of species and their habitats. With the help of satellite imagery, sensor networks and advanced analytics, conservationists can use this information and models to take proactive measures to protect wildlife.

Analysing and detecting patterns: AI and machine learning can help with assessing the impact of human activity on wildlife, such as analysing hunting patterns or the effects of climate change on migration routes. This can help conserve animal migration patterns and detect when new ones occur so they can be studied. By tracking patterns, AI and machine learning can predict potential extinctions. This can provide time for scientists, conservationists and governments to carry out plans to protect vulnerable species and biodiversity.

Developing conservation strategies: By leveraging data, machine learning and predictive analytics, researchers can develop efficient and effective wildlife insights and conservation strategies by simulating and modelling the potential outcomes of different nature management and protection strategies. For example, an AI model can help wildlife researchers study wild animal species collectively and decide the best strategy to protect them. It can also provide information about multiple external effects, like climate change, which can help design a proper plan to reduce its impact.

Automating data collection and analysis: Sometimes, there is an abundance of data available, and other times there are short amounts. However, it is crucial to analyse data to understand animal behaviour better. AI can automate the collection and analysis of vast amounts of data from varied sources and field observations. This can help provide more accurate and timely information on the stats and trends of wildlife populations. Also, AI can identify and classify animal species that may seem similar to the untrained eye and categorise them accordingly.

Helping to combat illegal poaching and wildlife trade: The most recent World Wildlife Crime report stated that over 6,000 different species of fauna and flora had been seized in the space of ten years, with nearly every country playing a role in illicit wildlife trade. Wildlife poaching is still rampant and extremely harmful. AI can help combat illegal wildlife poaching and trade by automating the identification, animal detection and tracking of protected species in trade and e-commerce platforms. It can also parse social media to stop illegal trade on these platforms. Technology can also monitor areas and migration routes. This information can inform park rangers beforehand on possible routes and to be prepared for potential poachers.

AI can play a significant role in Wildlife conservation

AI has the potential to play a major role wildlife conservation by delivering valuable insights, automating data collection and analysis, and helping to monitor and protect any wildlife population, vulnerable species and their habitats from external threats.

By leveraging the power of AI, conservationists can make more informed decisions, detect threats more quickly, and effectively manage and protect wildlife populations and biodiversity.

However, it's important to note that AI should be used to support a chosen conservation effort rather than as a substitute for traditional methods and expertise.

Ultimately, the success of wildlife conservation will depend on a combination of innovative technology, scientific knowledge, and effective management and policy.