In Australia, researchers will test a device for "facial recognition" of koalas in order to better understand and protect the species.
The project originated at Griffith University.
Researchers want to use artificial intelligence (AI) to recognize each koala that uses wildlife crossings in the state of Queensland.
These underpasses and bridges were built over busy roads to provide arsupials with a safe route away from cars.
Recognize each koala distinctly
The researchers hope eventually to no longer have to use the cameras to find out which species use these passages.
"With AI developing at full speed for ten years, the technology is powerful enough to recognize not only koalas, but each individual of this species," said Jun Zhou, the professor in charge of this pilot study.
Researchers have already used identification tags and GPS devices to track koalas.
For this project, they will work in collaboration with environmental associations to ensure that the AI distinguishes, in the long term, each marsupial according to its appearance and its movements.
A species in serious danger
This data will help to better understand the use of wildlife crossings by koalas and whether they can help prevent collisions with vehicles.
The government-funded project will result in the installation of around 20 cameras in July near Brisbane.
The population of koalas, victims of climate change, habitat loss, dog attacks, car crashes and disease, is in dramatic decline.
The huge forest fires that devastated in 2019 and 2020 island-continent have largely contributed to accelerate this phenomenon.
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