Bio

An innovative project with new technology and citizen science at its heart is set to help uncover urgently needed insights into biodiversity and wildlife populations. The new project will be delivered through an exciting partnership bringing together expertise from The Alan Turing Institute and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH). The complementary and world leading expertise in data science, artificial intelligence (AI), citizen science and biodiversity monitoring with funding and support from the abrdn Charitable Foundation (aCF).

Biodiversity is the variety of all plant and animal life, and the natural systems that support them. There are major gaps in our understanding of biodiversity across the globe, such as where species occur, how they are changing and what is causing declines and extinctions. This is especially true for insects which are essential for how ecosystems function. The project is announced as evidence mounts of a decline in wildlife across the globe, and stark warnings about the state of biodiversity.

The interdisciplinary research team will use automated sensors, deep learning, bioacoustics, and computer vision to deliver standardised monitoring of insects, bats, and birds worldwide. The research has the potential to inform governments, businesses, and communities by generating new, robust data for local/national/international biodiversity assessments.

As part of the project volunteers will be supported to collect wildlife observations to train AI models. Engaged local communities will use Automated Insect Monitoring (AMI) systems, combined with audio sensors for birds and bats, in four global biodiversity hotspots to help gather critically lacking information.

The team at abrdn Charitable foundation will support the application of novel technologies to generate new knowledge of biodiversity and the impacts of climate change. Citizens, will be empowered to collect new biodiversity observations that help build regional image classification models and insights.


About the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)

The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is an independent, not-for-profit research institute carrying out excellent environmental science with impact. We identify key drivers of biodiversity change, develop tools and technologies for monitoring biodiversity, and provide long-term data for assessing the status and trends of species populations. We also provide robust socio-economic and environmental solutions for restoring biodiversity and increasing resilience.  www.ceh.ac.uk  / Twitter: @UK_CEH / LinkedIn: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology