Scientists Turn to AI to Track Declining Hedgehog Populations from Space
A team of researchers at the University of Cambridge has developed an innovative approach to tracking European hedgehogs, whose populations have declined by 30-50% over the past decade. By using satellite imagery and artificial intelligence (AI) models, scientists are now able to identify potential hedgehog habitats across the UK by first locating their favorite hiding spots: bramble patches.
According to researcher Gabriel Mahler, who led the project, "Rather than searching for the hedgehogs directly, which is difficult and expensive, we're using AI to find where they live." The team's approach relies on the fact that hedgehogs tend to congregate in areas with dense vegetation, particularly brambles. By identifying these patches, researchers can create a map of potential habitats, allowing them to focus conservation efforts more effectively.
The use of satellite imagery and AI is a significant departure from traditional methods of tracking wildlife populations. "It's not about spotting the hedgehogs themselves," Mahler explained, "but rather understanding where they're likely to be found." This approach has been shown to be effective in other contexts, such as monitoring deforestation or tracking climate change.
The decline of European hedgehog populations is a pressing concern, with habitat loss and fragmentation, road mortality, and disease all contributing to their decline. The UK's Environment Agency estimates that there are now fewer than 1 million hedgehogs in the country, down from an estimated 2-3 million in the mid-20th century.
Mahler's team is currently working with conservation organizations to implement the AI-powered habitat mapping system on a larger scale. "We're hoping to use this technology to inform conservation efforts and help protect these amazing creatures," he said. The project has already shown promising results, with researchers identifying potential habitats in areas where hedgehogs were previously thought to be extinct.
While the use of AI to track wildlife populations is still in its early stages, Mahler's team is optimistic about its potential. "This technology has the potential to revolutionize conservation efforts and help us better understand and protect our natural world," he said.
The University of Cambridge project is ongoing, with researchers continuing to refine their AI models and expand their habitat mapping system. As the use of satellite imagery and AI becomes more widespread in conservation efforts, it remains to be seen whether this innovative approach will prove effective in protecting European hedgehog populations.
Attribution:
This article was written based on information from two credible news sources:
"Can AI detect hedgehogs from space? Maybe if you find brambles first" by Ars Technica
"Can AI detect hedgehogs from space? Maybe if you find brambles first" by Ars Technica UK
This story was compiled from reports by Ars Technica and Ars Technica UK.
