How Technology Is Shaping Conservation Efforts
One of the biggest challenges for Earth’s residents is addressing the impact of climate change and mitigating the loss of biodiversity. The battle to slow and, hopefully, reverse damage to the ecosystem requires ingenuity, and this is where technology comes in.
The survival of nearly 1 million species has been put at risk. Pollinators essential for food cultivation have drastically declined in numbers, and many more worrisome changes have occurred with alarming speed. Encouragingly, there are a growing number of technological advancements assisting scientists and others involved in the fight. Following are some initiatives to watch.
Artificial intelligence
Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence is allowing conservation groups and government agencies to monitor environmental changes in real time and quickly move to alleviate emerging threats. One case in point is satellites that send back images of the forest canopy across Latin America. This gives a fairly precise picture of where deforestation is occurring, noting where habitats are shrinking and flora and fauna are at risk. In this way, AI supports efforts to find and halt illegal logging and other harmful activities.
Bioacoustics
This relatively new invention is proving its worth in assessing the biodiversity of different parts of the planet. Bioacoustics are particularly helpful for remote regions that are challenging to access or otherwise inaccessible. Basically, the technology captures the local soundscape so scientists can analyze what’s occurring and determine the likely diversity and health of the species living in the environment. In recent years, bioacoustics monitoring has developed to offer increased accuracy so that the identification of species and their behaviors have become easier.
Camera traps
Camera traps have been used for a while to record the movement of wildlife so they can be observed by researchers. This facilitates the study of predator-prey relationships and the activity of nocturnal species. Steady improvements in this technology have resulted in advanced motion sensors, higher resolution, and longer battery life. This means more effective tracking of animals in their natural habitat and leads to better decision making for the longevity and protection of various wildlife.
DNA analysis
Technology that allows the collection and analysis of DNA has given a boost to a wide range of industries. The job of reading DNA has been the purview of lab technicians who analyze specimens collected in the field from animals. The interesting thing is that the techniques used to investigate DNA have progressed to permit scientists to gather samples of water for analysis to detect the types of creatures that live in the area. In other words, the specific species can be ascertained in the absence of actually viewing the animals themselves. This method supports the tracking of wildlife that are elusive or fewer in number because they’re endangered.
Drones
The capabilities of drone technology are truly astounding, and the enhancements seem to keep coming. These flying machines can be used underwater, or they can take to the skies. They’ve shown their value, for example, in coral reef conservation programs where they’re equipped to map reefs underwater, providing data about the health of these sensitive ecosystems. Drones are also used to take photos from above, giving an aerial view of the complex weather patterns and the migration paths of various species. Having such real-time information supports swift action to mitigate environmental issues and protect endangered animals.
Laser pulses or lidar
There’s a unique technology called lidar, which stands for light detection and ranging, that’s now being employed in conservation efforts. Essentially, it operates with laser pulses that have the ability to measure variable distances to the planet from a point above. The instrument is made up of a laser, scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver, which is commonly mounted on an airplane or helicopter. Distinct kinds of lidar are used depending on whether the land or the sea floor are being mapped. In the first case, topographic lidar is used while in the second, it’s bathymetric lidar. The outcome is a detailed 3D map for the landscape or a map of seafloor and riverbed elevations. Lidar can illustrate where the forest canopy is contracting and any concerning environmental changes underwater.
Live cameras
Many people are quite interested in watching the natural world in real time. Live camera feeds that stream everything from baby eagles in a nest to wild elephants at waterholes are receiving a lot of attention. This is an educational tool that promotes awareness of how animals behave in their natural habitat. This technology can inspire conservation-minded individuals to take care of their local environment and get behind efforts to save endangered ecosystems.
In closing
AI, bioacoustics, camera traps, DNA analysis, drones, lidar, and live cameras are only a few examples of technology that’s positively supporting conservation efforts. As technological advancements continue, the prospects for the Earth’s future grow brighter.