By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful ally in the fight to preserve endangered wildlife, with a groundbreaking tool called Squirrel Agent now offering hope for red squirrels in the UK. Developed by Genysys Engine, this AI system boasts an impressive 97% accuracy in distinguishing between red and grey squirrels. Conservationists believe this innovative technology could be a "game changer" in addressing the dramatic decline of red squirrel populations caused primarily by their grey counterparts.
Grey squirrels, introduced to the UK nearly 200 years ago, have not only outcompeted red squirrels for resources but also carry a virus lethal to the reds. As a result, red squirrels now survive in isolated regions such as Scotland, Ireland, Anglesey, and the Isle of Wight, while populations in mainland England and Wales are critically endangered. The challenge of identifying and protecting these animals is compounded by their variable appearance, as not all red squirrels are distinctly red.
Squirrel Agent addresses this challenge by leveraging AI to analyze multiple physical markers beyond coat color, such as tails, ears, size, and weight. This advanced detection enables the system to make rapid, accurate classifications in real time—an efficiency unmatched by human observers. Once a squirrel is identified, the tool can control access to feeders, providing food exclusively to red squirrels while diverting grey squirrels toward feeders containing contraceptive paste. By using technology to support conservationists, this system reduces reliance on scarce human resources while boosting the survival chances of red squirrels.
The potential of this technology extends beyond squirrels. Genysys Engine envisions a future where AI-powered monitoring tools like Squirrel Agent are applied to various endangered species worldwide. For now, the tool is being trialed in collaboration with five wildlife charities across the UK. One conservationist, Ian Glendinning from Northern Red Squirrels, emphasized the urgency of using technology to intervene, likening the situation to "the last chance saloon" for red squirrels.
As the technology evolves, the next frontier involves identifying individual squirrels through their unique whisker patterns, akin to human fingerprints. By analyzing whisker length, base, and tips, Squirrel Agent could enable conservationists to track individual animals and even trace family lineages over time. Such advancements would provide invaluable data for understanding population dynamics and devising more effective conservation strategies.
AI’s role in wildlife conservation is not new, with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) already using the technology to analyze massive datasets. For example, AI has helped locate surviving animals in bushfire-ravaged areas of Australia and has even been adopted by hobbyists to manage wildlife interactions in residential areas. However, the focused application of AI in the UK’s red squirrel crisis highlights how cutting-edge technology can address species-specific challenges with precision and scalability.
The success of Squirrel Agent underscores the transformative potential of AI in conservation. As this technology gains traction, it could pave the way for more robust, data-driven efforts to preserve biodiversity, offering hope not only for red squirrels but also for countless other species teetering on the brink of extinction.
