Innovation in Wildlife Conservation: Harnessing Digital Technology for Monitoring and Research

Today is a significant day as it marks the celebration of World Wildlife Day, a time to honour and raise awareness for the diverse and magnificent creatures that inhabit our planet. This year’s theme, Connecting People and Planet, emphasises the crucial role of digital technology in enhancing conservation efforts. At the forefront of this movement, organisations such as DEW are employing innovative digital tools to gain a better understanding and monitor native wildlife. Here, we will explore five ways in which digital technology is revolutionising wildlife monitoring and research.

To begin with, the deployment of AudioMoths, devices that capture the calls of various animals such as frogs and birds, has provided valuable insights into the impact of environmental changes on frog populations along the River Murray. By placing these devices at ecological sites, researchers have gained a deeper understanding of the effects of weir pool manipulation, ultimately contributing to more informed conservation strategies.

Night vision cameras have been utilised by ecologists on the Pike Floodplain to observe the behaviour of rakalis, also known as native water rats, thriving in the floodplain conditions. These cameras have captured the endearing sight of young rakalis in shallow areas along vegetated parts of the creek, shedding light on the ecological dynamics of these creatures.

The use of Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tags has enabled researchers to unravel the remarkable migratory patterns of the pouched lamprey, an ancient eel-like fish. By tracking the movements of these fish, including one that embarked on an awe-inspiring 825km journey from Goolwa to Wentworth, New South Wales, valuable data has been gathered to inform conservation efforts.

The introduction of drones has revolutionised wildlife monitoring, allowing researchers to access and observe previously inaccessible areas such as sea lion colonies along the Nullarbor Coast. Through the use of specialised software, researchers have been able to accurately count, classify, and map the colonies, providing crucial information for conservation initiatives.

Additionally, the implementation of radio tracking collars has been instrumental in the efforts to rebuild populations of western quolls in South Australia. By attaching these collars to quolls in Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park, researchers have been able to collect data, monitor ecosystem changes, and develop sustainable conservation plans for the species.

Furthermore, the use of infrared cameras, drones, and artificial intelligence has been pivotal in assessing the surviving koala population on unburned areas of Kangaroo Island following the devastating bushfires. This technology has facilitated nighttime scanning of trees to identify koalas based on their body heat signatures, contributing to ongoing conservation efforts.

In conclusion, it is evident that digital technology has revolutionised the way we monitor and research wildlife, providing invaluable data for conservation efforts. As we commemorate World Wildlife Day, it is essential to recognise the pivotal role of digital innovation in connecting us with nature and fostering a deeper understanding of the world’s precious wildlife.