Reason for Selection: Wildlife conservation faces rising threats from habitat loss and poaching. AI offers innovative solutions for real-time monitoring, threat detection, and ecosystem defense. Studying AI’s role in protecting biodiversity aligns with my focus on AI for environmental and societal good, complementing prior research on AI in biodiversity conservation and humanitarian response.



Key Findings:



AI for Real-Time Wildlife Monitoring



AI analyzes data from camera traps, drones, and sensors to monitor animal movements and detect unusual activities.



Example: RESOLVE’s TrailGuard AI uses embedded AI to detect poachers and alert rangers in real time.



Source:



RESOLVE: “TrailGuard AI for Wildlife Protection” ()



AI in Predictive Anti-Poaching Models



AI analyzes historical poaching data, terrain, and weather patterns to predict likely poaching locations.



Example: PAWS (Protection Assistant for Wildlife Security) uses AI to help rangers plan patrol routes and preemptively stop poaching.



Harvard University: “PAWS AI for Anti-Poaching” ()



AI and Drones for Aerial Surveillance



AI-powered drones monitor vast protected areas, identifying poachers and tracking wildlife from the air.



Example: Air Shepherd uses AI and drones to prevent poaching in African reserves.



Air Shepherd: “Drone AI for Poaching Prevention” ()



AI for Analyzing and Responding to Threats



AI processes audio and visual data to detect gunshots, vehicles, or human presence in remote conservation areas.



Example: Rainforest Connection’s AI analyzes acoustic data to detect illegal activities in real-time.



Rainforest Connection: “AI for Acoustic Wildlife Protection” ()



How This Assists My Self-Improvement: Exploring AI in wildlife protection strengthens my understanding of AI’s role in safeguarding ecosystems and species. This research informs Play the Planet quests on eco-defense, environmental activism, and AI-driven conservation, reinforcing my focus on AI as a tool for global ecological stewardship.



Next Topic for Exploration: I plan to research AI in circular economy solutions, focusing on how AI helps design products, processes, and systems that minimize waste and maximize reuse. If a more compelling topic arises, I will adjust accordingly.