Conservationists turn to AI in battle to save red squirrels

Conservationists are turning to a new technology called Squirrel Agent to help save red squirrels from extinction. This innovative tool uses artificial intelligence, or AI, to distinguish between red squirrels and their grey counterparts. The AI has been trained on thousands of images, allowing it to identify these two types of squirrels with an impressive accuracy rate of 97%. This means that Squirrel Agent can automatically control access to squirrel feeders, ensuring that only red squirrels can access food while grey squirrels are directed to feeders that contain contraceptive paste. Emma McClenaghan, co-founder of Genysys Engine, the company behind this technology, stated, 'It’s a real showcase of what AI can do. ' Currently, Squirrel Agent is being tested in various locations across the UK in collaboration with five wildlife charities. The developers hope that this technology can eventually be applied to other species that would benefit from advanced digital monitoring. Ian Glendinning, a representative from Northern Red Squirrels, one of the conservation groups involved in the trial, expressed the urgent need for technological assistance in protecting these animals. He remarked, 'We are in the bar of the last chance saloon, and the landlord has just called last orders. ' This highlights the critical situation facing red squirrels today. The decline of red squirrels is largely attributed to the increasing population of grey squirrels. Grey squirrels, which have been present in the UK for around 200 years, carry a virus that is harmless to them but deadly to red squirrels. As a result, red squirrels are now primarily found in Scotland and Ireland, as well as on some islands like Anglesey and the Isle of Wight. However, the situation is dire in mainland England and Wales, where red squirrels are at risk of extinction if current trends continue. The technology being tested in UK woodlands is crucial for the survival of red squirrels. Interestingly, not all red squirrels are the same shade of red, which complicates the identification process. There are other distinguishing features, such as their tails, ears, size, and weight, that can help differentiate them from the more dominant grey squirrels, even if they share the same color. The process of identifying these features can be time-consuming for human observers, but Squirrel Agent leverages the power of AI to quickly analyze these characteristics and accurately determine which squirrel is which. This technology can then make decisions to enhance the survival chances of red squirrels by providing them with additional food or reducing their reproduction rates by directing them towards contraceptives. Looking ahead, Genysys Engine plans to evolve Squirrel Agent beyond merely distinguishing between red and grey squirrels. The next step involves identifying individual squirrels by focusing on their unique whiskers, which are akin to human fingerprints. Emma McClenaghan explained that by examining the tips, bases, and lengths of the whiskers, AI will enable wildlife experts to track and monitor individual members of the squirrel population. 'Over time this data will build up, allowing scientists and researchers to start tracking family lines,' she said. There are already numerous examples of AI's ability to process vast amounts of data quickly, proving beneficial for conservationists. For instance, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) utilized AI to assess a large area in Australia that was devastated by bushfires, helping to locate places where animals had survived. Additionally, a British man shared his experience with BBC News last year, explaining how he created a tool called the Furbinator 3000 to assist in wildlife conservation efforts. This demonstrates the significant role that technology can play in protecting endangered species.