by Bret Yager with University Communications
Recent leaps in artificial intelligence show promise for improving conservation practices and reducing conflicts between humans and wildlife, according to a new study co-authored by Dr. Matthew C. Ogwu, App State assistant professor in the Sustainable Development Department.
Even as biodiversity hotspots safeguard highly threatened regions, areas that serve a vital role in global conservation are also often epicenters of human-wildlife conflict which potentially undermine protection efforts, according to the study, “Artificial intelligence-driven solutions for mitigating human–wildlife conflict in biodiversity hotspots,” published recently in the multidisciplinary journal Science Progress.
If you can see the problem, it’s easier to solve. Ogwu and the co-authors analyzed 105 studies spanning 35 years to reveal that AI offers significant improvements in monitoring (65%), predictive accuracy (47%) and community engagement (39%). AI-driven technologies such as machine learning, deep learning and computer vision enable conservationists to process large datasets, automate species identification and make real-time decisions.
“I’m excited to see this work progress, as it reflects the kind of collaborative, interdisciplinary research we’re doing at App State to tackle real-world environmental and sustainability challenges,” Ogwu said.
Integrated platforms like Earth Ranger and the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) use AI to manage data from rangers, camera traps, drones and patrol logs, providing situational awareness and strategic planning tools. Remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and participatory data integration offer multi-layered insights for mapping conflict zones, tracking wildlife movement and modeling species distribution. The study highlights the application of AI in conflict detection, community engagement and decision support while addressing challenges, limitations and ethical concerns. It also underscores the importance of policies and future research to integrate AI with local knowledge systems, participatory governance and adaptive conservation strategies.
AI advancements are transforming surveillance of human-wildlife conflict and bolstering biodiversity conservation efforts worldwide, according to the authors.
Dr. Matt Ogwu thumbnail
Dr. Matt Ogwu thumbnail