AI-Enabled Wildlife Identification Project in Australia Receives New Funding Boost
Camera traps have revolutionized wildlife monitoring, providing valuable insights into biodiversity. However, the analysis of the vast amount of data generated by these traps has been a daunting task for researchers. To address this challenge, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) has been developing an artificial intelligence model to identify animals captured in camera-trap images.
Initially trained to recognize 44 species, including native kangaroos and dingoes, as well as introduced predators like cats and foxes, the AI model has shown promising results. Now, thanks to a funding grant of A$750,000 from the Australian government’s Innovative Biodiversity Monitoring Grants Program, the project is set to expand its capabilities significantly.
This new funding will enable AWC to almost triple the model’s capacity, allowing it to identify up to 120 native species. By employing additional staff to gather data, train and test the models, and enhance AI-processing power in the cloud, AWC aims to streamline the identification process and provide faster results to land managers.
The incorporation of artificial intelligence into wildlife monitoring not only accelerates the analysis of camera-trap images but also enhances the accuracy of species identification. This technology is particularly valuable for distinguishing between similar species and can play a crucial role in identifying and managing invasive species that pose a threat to native wildlife.
With a focus on rare, threatened, and endangered species, the project aims to create a robust model that can support conservation efforts and facilitate future research in this field. By establishing guidelines and standards for data collection and testing metrics, AWC hopes to maintain consistency and accuracy across a wide range of species.
By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy is at the forefront of innovative biodiversity monitoring. With ongoing support from the government and a dedicated team of experts, this project is poised to make significant contributions to wildlife conservation and research in Australia and beyond.
