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AI-powered camera system offers low-cost way to monitor bumblebees, potentially other insects

Researchers at Oregon State University developed a low-cost, semi-automated camera system using AI to monitor bumblebee populations and other insects. The system recorded six species of bumblebees, closely matching those documented through traditional methods, and identified them automatically using custom-built deep learning models.

SourceOregon State University·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateJul 28, 2026

Sabah's ferret badger found nowhere else on Earth

A comprehensive study reveals the Bornean ferret badger is found only in Sabah's western highlands, with a previously unknown population discovered in Nuluhon-Trusmadi Forest Reserve. The species' range and distribution are largely confined to mountain landscapes, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect its habitat.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJun 10, 2026

Why scientists are worried about weasels

Researchers from North Carolina State University found that red meat is the most effective bait for detecting weasels, with salmon oil adding to its allure. The study aimed to address the lack of standardized monitoring protocols for weasel populations and provides a framework for future surveys.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2025

Revolutionizing biodiversity monitoring with a network of automated wildlife cameras

Researchers developed an innovative automated wildlife camera network to monitor species in a Dutch coastal dunes nature reserve. The system, which combines autonomous cameras, wireless data transmission and AI-driven species identification, has been shown to be cost-efficient and efficient, providing new insights into the habitat use ...

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024

Timber plantations near urbanized areas support the movement of small and medium-sized terrestrial mammals between patches of natural forest

Researchers found 16 native species of mammals using timber plantations as corridors and refuges in Central Panama. However, teak monocultures showed the lowest records of species, highlighting the importance of restoring natural habitats for comprehensive wildlife conservation.

System uses artificial intelligence to detect wild animals on roads and avoid accidents

A team of researchers developed an AI-powered computer vision model to detect Brazilian wild animals on roads and warn drivers in real-time. The system uses roadside cameras and portable computers to identify species such as anteaters, wolves, and tapirs, with the potential to save lives and reduce roadkill.

AI helps to detect invasive Asian hornets

Researchers have developed VespAI, an automated system that attracts hornets to a monitoring station and captures standardized images using an overhead camera. The system uses AI algorithm to identify the species with almost perfect accuracy, allowing authorities to mount a rapid response.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 3, 2024

Rice researcher scans tropical forest with mixed-reality device

A Rice University scientist used a mixed-reality headset with custom-designed software to measure and analyze forest floor vegetation in Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The study found that mammal diversity increases with forest floor habitat surface area, leading to a greater variety of ecological characteristics.

SourceRice University·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Fear of humans pervades the South African savanna

A recent study found that animals in the Greater Kruger National Park react with alarm to hearing human voices, fleeing waterholes and abandoning their habitat. The researchers used custom sound systems to compare the fear response of mammals to humans versus lions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2023

Getting data to do more for biodiversity

A new model developed by MSU researchers uses low-cost data about abundant species to generate insights on harder-to-find neighbors, helping monitor and preserve biodiversity. The model can be particularly helpful for rare and elusive species, providing valuable information with minimal data.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 26, 2022

Cameras candidly capture bushmeat mammals to avert crisis

A team of researchers from Kyoto University and Cameroon used camera trap surveys to predict the total biomass of large rodents and duikers in southeast Cameroon. They developed six candidate indicators, including the ratio of red duikers to blue duikers, which showed positive linear correlations with total bushmeat biomass.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2022

Cameras reveal snowshoe hare density

A new study by Washington State University researchers has developed a camera-trapping method that accurately estimates the density of snowshoe hares and potentially other unmarked small mammals. The method, validated through a large-scale field test, shows promise as an inexpensive and non-invasive alternative to live-trapping.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2022

Data from thousands of cameras confirms protected areas promote mammal diversity

A global study using thousands of camera trap stations found that protected areas have a positive impact on mammal diversity, even when experiencing human disturbances such as recreational use and logging. The study's findings suggest that expanding protected areas could help conserve larger mammals and their critical roles in ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalConservation Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2022

Hybrid strategy captures a larger picture of wild mandrills

Researchers at Kyoto University used a hybrid strategy to study wild mandrill movement patterns, combining direct tracking with camera trap data. The findings show that mandrill groups change their travel speed during the day and exhibit flexible dietary and ranging behaviors influenced by seasonality.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2021

Zoology: Western gorillas may be territorial

A study in Scientific Reports suggests western gorillas may be territorial, with groups defending the centers of their home ranges against neighboring groups. The authors monitored eight groups across a 60 km2 area and found that gorillas tend to avoid feeding areas visited by other groups the previous day.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2020

Studying species interactions using remote camera traps

Researchers developed a framework to detect species interactions using camera trap data, highlighting the need for standardized data collection and collaboration. The study found that many records are needed to produce trustworthy results, but standardization can achieve this by combining datasets from multiple studies.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateFeb 22, 2019