Technology for Wildlife Conservation
First published in my column on naturenews.africa
I cannot forget too quickly my visit to the London Zoo. One of the things I find interesting is how organised their ex-situ conservation is. Apologies to the uninitiated — there are broadly two kinds of conservation, in-situ and ex-situ. In-situ conservation is the protecting of animals and plants right in their natural homes, like forests, lakes, or oceans. It’s like making sure the animals and plants have a safe place to live and grow without moving them to a different place. For ex-situ conservation, it’s when you take animals or plants out of their natural homes and care for them in special places like zoos, aquariums, or gardens. It’s like giving animals and plants a safe, new home where people can take care of them and make sure they don’t go into extinction.
So, at the London Zoo, I was inside the place where they kept their tortoise. It was a different atmosphere — temperature and everything about the environment was adjusted to suit the animals. The same with their penguin section and other animals’ section on the zoo. The sight and effort put into mimicking the natural habitats of the animals was exceptional.
I missed the chance to write about the World Nature Conservation Day which was commemorated last week — July 28, 2024. So, I have decided to make that the centre of today’s column before the dust settles on the very important theme that the day was all about.
The spotlight of this year’s World Nature Conservation Day shines brightly on the intersection of technology and nature conservation. This year’s theme, “Connecting People and Plants, Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,” emphasizes the growing potential of digital tools in advancing environmental protection efforts. In the context of Africa, a continent rich in biodiversity yet plagued by environmental challenges, this theme is particularly poignant. The fusion of technology and conservation not only presents innovative solutions to age-old problems but also offers new avenues for engaging communities in the preservation of their natural heritage.
Our continent is home to some of the most diverse ecosystems on earth. From the sprawling savannas of the Serengeti to the dense rainforests of the Congo Basin, the continent’s landscapes are teeming with a vast array of plant and animal species. This biodiversity is not only vital for ecological balance but also supports the livelihoods of millions of people. However, Africa’s natural resources are under threat from various factors, including habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade.
Africa’s conservation is facing a manifold of challenges but the most pressing of them remains habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization. These activities fragment ecosystems and disrupt the habitats of many species, pushing them closer to extinction. And of course, climate change also aggravates these problems by altering habitats and food availability, making it harder for wildlife to survive.
In addition, poaching and illegal wildlife trade also pose significant threats. Despite numerous conservation efforts, the high demand for ivory, rhino horns, and other animal parts continues to drive illegal activities. These practices not only endanger species but also undermine the rule of law and fuel corruption.
In the face of these challenges, technology emerges as a beacon of hope. That’s why I’m excited about this year’s World Nature Conservation Day theme. Digital innovation can revolutionize wildlife conservation by providing new tools and methods to monitor, protect, and manage natural resources. The next few paragraphs highlight how we are using or/and how we can make the most of technology to improve wildlife conservation in Africa.
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
The first time I heard about GIS was in year three when I was in university. I learned more about it after graduation through personal study. Remote sensing technologies, such as satellites and drones, offer unparalleled capabilities in monitoring large and inaccessible areas. These tools can track changes in land use, detect illegal activities, and monitor wildlife populations. For example, satellite imagery can identify deforestation hotspots, enabling authorities to take swift action against illegal logging. Drones, on the other hand, can be deployed to monitor wildlife in real-time, providing crucial data on animal movements and behaviours.
That’s not all GIS can do. I have used it to integrate spatial data to create detailed maps and models of ecosystems. Conservationists can use GIS to plan and manage protected areas, design wildlife corridors, and assess the impact of human activities on biodiversity. In Africa, where vast landscapes make traditional monitoring methods challenging, these technologies are invaluable.
Camera Traps and Acoustic Monitoring
These kinds of devices are essential for studying elusive and nocturnal species. In case you have not seen this in use, try watching the animal documentary channel NatGeoWild. Camera traps, equipped with motion sensors, capture images and videos of wildlife without human presence, providing insights into species behaviour, population sizes, and habitat use. Also, acoustic monitoring devices, meanwhile, record animal sounds, such as bird calls and elephant rumbles, which can be analyzed to monitor species’ presence and distribution.
In Africa, these technologies have been instrumental in studying species like the African elephant, lions, and gorillas. By collecting data non-invasively, researchers can make informed decisions about conservation strategies and measure the effectiveness of their efforts.
Mobile Applications and Citizen Science
Mobile applications and citizen science platforms engage local communities and the global public in conservation efforts. Apps like iNaturalist and eBird allow users to record and share their wildlife observations, contributing valuable data to scientific research. In Africa, where local knowledge is often rich but underutilized, these platforms empower communities to participate in conservation actively.
Citizen science initiatives also foster environmental awareness and education. By involving people in data collection and monitoring, these projects build a sense of stewardship and encourage sustainable practices. For instance, community members can use mobile apps to report poaching incidents or track wildlife sightings, aiding conservation authorities in their efforts.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
In our area, many African countries are lagging in data collection and management. Most countries can’t accurately account for their population let alone plants and animals. But the power of AI is not to be missed out on. AI and machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, identifying patterns and making predictions. In wildlife conservation, AI can process data from camera traps, acoustic monitors, and satellite images to detect changes in wildlife populations and habitats. These insights help conservationists develop targeted strategies to protect endangered species and restore ecosystems.
AI is also being used to combat poaching. Predictive algorithms can analyze data on poaching incidents, weather patterns, and animal movements to forecast where poaching is likely to occur. This allows rangers to allocate resources more effectively and prevent illegal activities before they happen.
Blockchain Technology
When most people hear the word ‘blockchain’, they think of finance, but there are many opportunities blockchain technology presents in today’s era. Blockchain technology may be widely known for its use in cryptocurrencies, but it also has potential applications in wildlife conservation. It can create transparent and tamper-proof records of wildlife products, helping to combat illegal trade. By tracing the origin of products like ivory or rhino horns, blockchain can ensure that only legally sourced items are traded, reducing the demand for poached goods.
Moreover, blockchain can be used to track conservation funding and ensure that resources are used effectively. Transparent records build trust among donors and stakeholders, encouraging more investment in conservation projects.
While technology provides powerful tools for conservation, the human element remains crucial. Engaging local communities, fostering environmental education, and building partnerships are essential components of successful conservation efforts.
Local communities, often the most affected by conservation policies and the most knowledgeable about their environments, play a crucial role in conservation efforts. Involving them ensures culturally appropriate and sustainable strategies, as seen in Africa’s Northern Rangelands Trust in Kenya, where community-led projects have successfully improved wildlife populations and brought economic benefits through eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture. Education also fosters a conservation ethic by raising awareness about biodiversity and the threats it faces, with schools, NGOs, and media campaigns playing vital roles. Integrating indigenous knowledge with modern science in conservation education resonates strongly with local African communities, emphasizing their deep connection to nature.
More so, effective conservation requires collaboration among governments, NGOs, the private sector, and international organizations. Partnerships leverage diverse strengths and resources, creating synergies that amplify efforts. For instance, the African Wildlife Foundation works with governments and communities to protect critical habitats and promote sustainable development, while international initiatives like the Great Green Wall aim to restore degraded landscapes across the Sahel region, enhancing biodiversity and resilience to climate change.
In conclusion, World Nature Conservation Day 2024 may have passed, but the theme “Connecting People and Plants, Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation” reminds us of the powerful role technology can play in preserving our natural heritage. In Africa, where biodiversity is both a treasure and a challenge, digital tools offer new hope for effective conservation.
By harnessing the power of technology, engaging local communities, fostering environmental education, and building strong partnerships, we can protect Africa’s rich biodiversity for future generations. The journey towards sustainable conservation is complex and demanding, but with innovation and collaboration, it is a journey we are well-equipped to undertake. Let this World Nature Conservation Day inspire us to connect with nature and each other, embracing digital innovation to secure a thriving planet for all.
