Drones, AI and the future of wildlife conservation
Robotics and machine learning are opening new possibilities for protecting wildlife around the world The post Drones, AI and the future of wildlife conservation appeared first on Physics World .
In the latest installment of Physics World Stories, the episode "Drones, AI and the future of wildlife conservation" delves into the role cutting-edge robotics, drones, and ecological science play in global wildlife conservation efforts. Leading the discussion is Blair Costelloe, principal investigator of the EU-funded WildDrone and WildBotics doctoral training networks and director of research and conservation at Kenya's Mara Elephant Project.
Costelloe elucidates how drones, machine learning, and other physics-based technologies are revolutionizing the field, enabling conservationists to monitor animals over vast terrains and gather data that is otherwise inaccessible on the ground.
The episode also features Camille Rondeau Saint-Jean, a PhD researcher at the University of Southern Denmark, who is pioneering the use of drones to track animal body data in real-time, providing unprecedented insights into population dynamics and conservation efforts. Saint-Jean's academic journey, which spanned from musicology to drone piloting and conservation biology, underscores the interdisciplinary nature of the challenges and solutions in the realm of wildlife conservation.
William Njoroge of Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the sanctuary home to the last two northern white rhinos, shares how drones are being synergized with conventional conservation methods. He also addresses the practical hurdles involved, ranging from technical limitations to navigating regulatory landscapes. Set against the backdrop of the scenic Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta stands as a beacon of integrated conservation, housing the world's last two northern white rhinos.
This episode encapsulates the spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration and the shared objective of safeguarding wildlife. Host Andrew Glester emphasizes the innovative science emerging from these diverse collaborations, all directed towards the common aim of wildlife preservation. The episode "Drones, AI and the future of wildlife conservation" is a testament to the transformative power of combining technology, science, and conservation efforts in the face of global biodiversity challenges.
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