Pine martens on the move in Northern Ireland

hello593537
Oct 13
2 min read

Technological innovation has the potential to transform how we tackle today’s – and tomorrow’s – biggest conservation challenges. As the pace of changes driven by technology continues to accelerate, it’s vital that we channel these developments into positive outcomes for nature. Tigertek can use a wide range of tech tools – from familiar favourites to the latest innovations – to maximize our conservation impact.

IoT and conservation are linked through the use of interconnected devices that collect and analyze environmental data to improve resource management and protect wildlife. — IoT and conservation are **linked through the use of interconnected devices that collect and analyze environmental data to improve resource management and protect wildlife**.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg3wz1d7jxo

From attics to gardens, pine martens - one of Northern Ireland's rarest native mammals - have been turning up in some unusual places.

At one stage almost extinct in Northern Ireland, the pine marten clung on in the woodlands of County Fermanagh, the Glens of Antrim and the Mournes.

Now they're found in all six counties and increasingly crossing paths with humans.

Conservation is a hot topic https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/c207p54mdd3t

Technology is playing a vital part of conservation efforts

Technology is vital for conservation by providing tools like GPS trackers, drones, and AI to monitor wildlife, protect habitats, and combat poaching. These technologies enable more accurate tracking of animal movements, real-time assessment of environmental changes, and efficient analysis of vast datasets, helping conservationists make informed decisions and take faster action. Other tools include eDNA analysis, acoustic monitoring, and GIS to assess biodiversity and monitor areas remotely.

Wildlife tracking and monitoring

GPS and radio collars: These allow researchers to track the movements of animals like elephants and big cats to help prevent human-wildlife conflict and track poaching.

Drones: Drones provide high-resolution images and real-time data, enabling wildlife counts, habitat assessment, and monitoring of inaccessible areas from the air.

Camera traps

Equipped with sensors, these are vital for capturing images and video of wildlife to study behavior and monitor populations, especially for elusive species.

Environmental assessment and data analysis

Artificial intelligence (AI)

AI and machine learning can process large amounts of data from sensors, cameras, and other sources to identify patterns, predict outcomes like climate change impacts, and automate species identification.

Environmental DNA (eDNA)

By analyzing DNA left behind in water, soil, or air, conservationists can detect the presence of species more effectively than with traditional methods, even for elusive animals.

Acoustic monitoring

Capturing sounds in natural habitats helps researchers study wildlife through sound, which can indicate biodiversity and the presence of certain species.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

These systems are used to visualize and analyze spatial data, helping researchers make informed decisions about land use and habitat protection.

Combating illegal activity

Anti-poaching technology

Drones, sensors, and AI are used to monitor protected areas and provide real-time alerts for poachers, enabling rapid response.

Supply chain transparency

Blockchain technology can ensure products like timber and fish are sustainably and legally sourced by tracking them from origin to consumer.