AI and biodiversity | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

• Biodiversity Conservation: Using technology to protect plant and animal species.
• Environmental DNA (eDNA): Collecting genetic material shed by organisms in their environment.
• Internet of Animals: A global network tracking animal movements and behavior.
• AI in Conservation: Using artificial intelligence for species identification, population monitoring, and anti-collision systems.
• MoveBank: A global database hosting animal tracking data.
• WildBook: An online platform using photos to identify individual animals.
• Anti-collision Systems: Technology to prevent bird collisions with wind turbines.
• PCR Testing: Amplifying specific DNA fragments to identify species.

Marine Biodiversity and eDNA

• Alysia Dalon, a marine biologist, uses advanced technology to explore and protect underwater life in the Mediterranean.
• Hidden Biodiversity: Focuses on lesser-known microscopic species like plankton and larger species in specific habitats.
• eDNA Collection: Employs a pump prototype to collect tiny particles (mucus, cell residue, fish scales) containing genetic samples.
• Vertical Zones: Samples are taken at the surface and at depth (up to 1-200m) to cover different vertical zones of DNA dispersal.
• Angel Shark Search: Searches for the critically endangered angel shark, Squatina squatina, believed to have disappeared from the Mediterranean.
• Historical Context: Angel sharks were once common, even giving their name to the Bay of Angel Sharks near Antibes.
• Breakthrough: eDNA analysis confirms the presence of angel sharks in two samples, indicating their reemergence off the coast of Corsica.

Internet of Animals and Animal Tracking

• Martin Wikelski aims to create a global early warning system by understanding migratory patterns through an "Internet of Animals."
• Eland Tagging: An eland antelope in Namibia is fitted with a solar-powered transmitter tag weighing 18g.
• Tag Capabilities: The tag transmits data (location, temperature, humidity, pressure) over 280 km.
• Data Transmission: Data is sent wirelessly to a local network, then to a central server in Europe via antenna, and finally to the MoveBank database.
• Real-time Monitoring: Users receive animal signals on their phones or computers in real time (3 seconds).
• Applications: Helps protect animals, provides information on their environment, and detects sickness or poaching.
• MoveBank Database: Contains 6 billion GPS data points from 35,000 animals worldwide.
• Global Forecasting System: Wikelski envisions a global forecasting system based on animal behavior within 10 years.

AI and Wind Turbine Anti-Collision System

• Maria Rooda and Tilap are working on a smart solution to prevent red kite collisions with wind turbines in Germany.
• Problem: Wind farms, while promoting green energy, pose a threat to protected bird species.
• Camera System: Uses a visually based system with eight wide-angle cameras to monitor the sky.
• AI Software: AI-based software classifies objects (airplanes, birds) and identifies red kites from 750m.
• Virtual Cylinders: Creates two virtual cylinders around each turbine; shutdown is triggered if a bird enters the inner cylinder.
• Identify System: The anti-collision system is called Identify.
• Accuracy: The AI system has an accuracy rate of almost 99%.
• Military Technology: The system uses military technology for measuring targets.
• Carlos Hera: The Chilean-born American is the creator of Identify and is training the AI for further bird species.

AI for Giraffe Identification and Population Monitoring

• Tanya Berger-Wolf uses AI to improve animal population data, focusing on reticulated giraffes in Kenya.
• Giraffe Decline: Reticulated giraffe populations have declined by 50% in the last three decades due to poaching, habitat loss, and climate change.
• Photo Collection: Hundreds of photos are taken to train the AI software.
• Unique Patterns: Each giraffe has a unique pattern of lines and patches, which the AI uses for identification.
• WildBook Platform: An online platform (giraffespotter.org) that uses photos to identify individual giraffes.
• Algorithm: Algorithms scan for light and dark spots on patches to determine if a giraffe is already in the system.
• Results: 33 new giraffes were identified and added to the database from 1,200 pictures.
• Applications: Tracks giraffe migration patterns and social interactions.
• Future: AI agents could evaluate photos on social media for conservation purposes.
• Wildbooks for Multiple Species: Wildbooks exist for over 70 species, connecting data globally.

Underwater Camera Systems and Traditional Methods

• Sebastian Vle and Valentine Flor install camera systems on the seabed to record marine life, using AI-based image recognition.
• Graham Edgar uses traditional methods (pen and writing board) to count fish species.
• Complementary Approaches: eDNA is good for identifying species presence, while traditional methods are better for understanding species numbers and changes over time.
• Underwater Inventory: Edgar's team marks out a square on the seabed and counts different species within that area.
• Impact Assessment: Documents the impact of ocean warming and invasive species.

Rhino Tagging and Data Analysis

• Marissa Bsterbos prepares to tranquilize and tag giraffes, elephants, and rhinos in Namibia.
• Tagging Process: Involves darting the animal, fitting tags, and taking samples (e.g., rhino horn).
• Data Collection: Tags collect data over years or decades.
• Data Analysis: Martin Wikelski analyzes data to understand animal interactions and information exchange.
• Black Wilderbeest Excursion: Data reveals a black wildebeest's unusual excursion to a watering hole, where it encountered elands and zebras.

Conclusion

The video highlights the use of cutting-edge technology, including eDNA analysis, AI-powered identification systems, and advanced tracking devices, to address the global biodiversity crisis. These technologies provide valuable data and insights that can inform conservation efforts and help protect endangered species. The combination of traditional research methods with these new technologies offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and preserving life on Earth.