AI Technology Unveils Global Wildlife Threats

A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Sussex has uncovered the significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media in identifying global threats to wildlife. Focusing on the exploitation of bats, the research demonstrated the effectiveness of AI in uncovering previously unknown threats in various countries.

Utilizing AI technology, the research team analysed vast amounts of data from platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Bing. This approach led to the identification of new instances of bat hunting and trade in 22 countries, including Bahrain, Spain, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Lead author Bronwen Hunter emphasized the value of AI and online data sources, as they offer a cost-effective and scalable approach to understanding global wildlife threats. Automated data filtering also provides real-time access to information, informing conservation efforts with the most current data available.

The study highlighted the crucial role of bats as pollinators, seed dispersers, and pest controllers, despite over half of bat species being classified as “threatened with extinction” or “data deficient.” The slow reproductive rates and long lifespans of bats make them particularly susceptible to exploitation.

Senior author Fiona Mathews expressed concern over the hunting and trade of bats, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The study’s findings underscore the importance of understanding where bat exploitation occurs, particularly in remote locations where illicit trade can be concealed.

The study’s authors recommended integrating social media and online platform contributions into future conservation strategies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of bat exploitation and other wildlife threats. Kit Stoner, CEO of the Bat Conservation Trust, praised the research for offering a low-cost method of detecting bat trade and proposing solutions for monitoring and disrupting this wildlife trade.

The research highlights the significance of utilizing AI technology and online data to identify and address wildlife threats on a global scale. This approach not only provides a cost-effective means of understanding global wildlife threats but also enables conservationists to keep up with current threats in real-time. By shedding light on the dangers faced by bats and their critical role in ecosystems, this study represents a crucial step towards safeguarding the world’s wildlife.

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