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Rita added a new Article - "Impacts of Rhino Fence on other Wildlife Species" to East Africa Community
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- Latest Discussion
- Anyone using Microsoft Sparrow?
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in the field to analyse information collected by wildlife conservationists, from camera traps and satellite images to audio recordings. AI can learn how to identify which photos out of thousands contain rare species; or pinpoint an animal call out of hours of field recordings - hugely reducing the manual labour required to collect vital conservation data. The AI For Conservation group is intended to unite and inspire all WILDLABS community members—whether already involved in AI for conservation, or not—to understand how to use and/or directly contribute to open-source research and development efforts.
- Latest Resource
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- Open-Source Solutions for Amphibian Passive Acoustic Monitoring: Lessons from Patagonia
Monitoring amphibians across the temperate forests of Patagonia presents significant logistical and technical challenges. Remote locations, harsh environmental conditions, and the large volumes of data generated by Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) can make long-term biodiversity surveys difficult to implement and maintain. In addition, environmental data often relies on multiple independent devices, increasing costs, complexity, and logistical demands in remote field conditions. Through the WILDLABS Awards 2025, our team explored practical ways to address these challenges by combining open-source hardware, environmental sensing, and AI-assisted acoustic analysis.
Group
- Latest Discussion
- Getting behavioral data out of datasets that weren't built for it
Looking for a place to discuss camera trap troubleshooting, compare models, collaborate with members working with other technologies like machine learning and bioacoustics, or share and exchange data from your camera trap research? Get involved in our Camera Traps group! All are welcome whether you are new to camera trapping, have expertise from the field to share, or are curious about how your skill sets can help those working with camera traps.
- Latest Resource
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- New Book on Camera Trapping Tech
Trail Cameras & Custom Camera Traps: Technology, Ethics & Strategies for Success
Group
Used to pick up signals from tracking gear on the ground, collect images of wildlife and habitats from the air, gather acoustic data with specialized hydrophones, or even collect snot samples from whales' blowholes, drones are capable of collecting high-resolution data quickly, noninvasively, and at relatively low cost.
🌍 Conservation technology is transforming how we protect wildlife, but are we thinking carefully enough about the risks? Drones, camera traps, GPS trackers, acoustic sensors, AI, and remote sensing have become essential tools for conservation practitioners around the world. They help us monitor species, detect threats, and respond faster than ever before. But these same technologies can also introduce unintended risks, and in some cases, can be exploited by those seeking to harm the very wildlife we're trying to protect. 🦏 Input now and/or join the discussions/research.
Group
- Latest Discussion
- Engineer Searching for Biologists
The eDNA & Genomics Group focuses on advancing biodiversity monitoring, species detection, and ecological research using environmental DNA (eDNA) and genomics technologies. Our members are engaged in the collection, sequencing, and analysis of DNA from environmental samples—such as soil, water, and feces—to detect species presence, assess genetic diversity, and study population structure without the need for direct observation or capture.
- Latest Resource
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- Assessing Critical Habitats Using Environmental DNA to Conserve the World’s Rarest Heron- White-bellied Heron Ardea insignis
The White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) is the world's rarest heron, with only about 60 individuals remaining globally. Bhutan holds nearly half of the remaining population, making conservation efforts within the country crucial to the species' survival. As part of my PhD research at Texas State University, I have been working to better understand the ecology, habitat suitability, and conservation needs of this critically endangered species. I employ an interdisciplinary approach that integrates field ecology, environmental DNA (eDNA) and portable genomics technologies to improve biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning for White-bellied Heron in Bhutan. Unlike traditional monitoring approaches that rely solely on direct observations, eDNA allows researchers to detect biodiversity from traces of genetic material left behind in the environment. The WILDLABS Award provided an exciting opportunity not only to advance research but also to demonstrate how emerging conservation technologies can be applied in remote landscapes while building local capacity for conservation genetics. Through this project, we sought to explore how portable molecular tools can support conservation decision-making while making advanced genetic technologies more accessible to researchers and practitioners in Bhutan.
Group
- Latest Discussion
- New "Human Dimensions" group on Wildlabs?
Over the last few years the conservation movement has been enthusiastically deploying new technologies that make it possible to observe and protect the natural world in ways once unimaginable. But are there any potential risks we need to consider as we deploy the new, exciting technologies?
🌍 Conservation technology is transforming how we protect wildlife, but are we thinking carefully enough about the risks? Drones, camera traps, GPS trackers, acoustic sensors, AI, and remote sensing have become essential tools for conservation practitioners around the world. They help us monitor species, detect threats, and respond faster than ever before. But these same technologies can also introduce unintended risks, and in some cases, can be exploited by those seeking to harm the very wildlife we're trying to protect. 🦏 Input now and/or join the discussions/research.
Group
- Latest Discussion
- Getting behavioral data out of datasets that weren't built for it
Protected area management systems empower essential frontline conservationists to monitor wildlife and ecosystems in real-time. With tools like SMART, EarthRanger, and Esri's Conservation Land Management toolkit, users can collect, integrate, and display data from across landscapes to ensure that key information from the field gets to decision-makers in time to make a difference. This group is the place for new and experienced users of these tools alike to ask questions, share experiences, and work together to improve their effectiveness in critical conservation landscapes around the world.
🌍 Conservation technology is transforming how we protect wildlife, but are we thinking carefully enough about the risks? Drones, camera traps, GPS trackers, acoustic sensors, AI, and remote sensing have become essential tools for conservation practitioners around the world. They help us monitor species, detect threats, and respond faster than ever before. But these same technologies can also introduce unintended risks, and in some cases, can be exploited by those seeking to harm the very wildlife we're trying to protect. 🦏 Input now and/or join the discussions/research.
Group
- Latest Discussion
- ADD SOME QGIS ZHUSH
Geospatial data and analysis are critical for conservation, from planning to implementation and measuring success. The Geospatial group focuses on all aspects of this field, from field surveys to remote sensing and data development/analysis to GIS systems. The ability to visualize and analyze spatial data underpins many areas of conservation, this group may serve as a landing point and gateway for those new to conservation technology.
🌍 Conservation technology is transforming how we protect wildlife, but are we thinking carefully enough about the risks? Drones, camera traps, GPS trackers, acoustic sensors, AI, and remote sensing have become essential tools for conservation practitioners around the world. They help us monitor species, detect threats, and respond faster than ever before. But these same technologies can also introduce unintended risks, and in some cases, can be exploited by those seeking to harm the very wildlife we're trying to protect. 🦏 Input now and/or join the discussions/research.
Group
- Latest Discussion
- New "Human Dimensions" group on Wildlabs?
Wildlife crime is a complicated challenge, so it's no wonder that the conservation technology community has explored solutions with every type of technology, all with the aim of predicting, preventing, and stopping crimes like poaching, illegal logging and fishing, and the sale of animal products like ivory. Join our Wildlife Crime group to meet others who are working on potential solutions to this global challenge and to add your own expertise to the conversation!
🌍 Conservation technology is transforming how we protect wildlife, but are we thinking carefully enough about the risks? Drones, camera traps, GPS trackers, acoustic sensors, AI, and remote sensing have become essential tools for conservation practitioners around the world. They help us monitor species, detect threats, and respond faster than ever before. But these same technologies can also introduce unintended risks, and in some cases, can be exploited by those seeking to harm the very wildlife we're trying to protect. 🦏 Input now and/or join the discussions/research.
Group
Technology is changing and evolving faster than ever, and as it does, our community members are looking for the next big thing to revolutionize their conservation tech work. To chat about your favorite new tools that are just emerging in the field and discover innovations you haven't yet heard of, join this group!
🌍 Conservation technology is transforming how we protect wildlife, but are we thinking carefully enough about the risks? Drones, camera traps, GPS trackers, acoustic sensors, AI, and remote sensing have become essential tools for conservation practitioners around the world. They help us monitor species, detect threats, and respond faster than ever before. But these same technologies can also introduce unintended risks, and in some cases, can be exploited by those seeking to harm the very wildlife we're trying to protect. 🦏 Input now and/or join the discussions/research.
Group
- Latest Discussion
- New "Human Dimensions" group on Wildlabs?
The world’s most endangered species are under threat from an unsuspecting source—the Internet. The Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online launched this group in partnership with WILDLABS to create a space for discussing the technologies and partnerships that are pushing to turn the tide in the fight against trafficking in wildlife species and products online.
🌍 Conservation technology is transforming how we protect wildlife, but are we thinking carefully enough about the risks? Drones, camera traps, GPS trackers, acoustic sensors, AI, and remote sensing have become essential tools for conservation practitioners around the world. They help us monitor species, detect threats, and respond faster than ever before. But these same technologies can also introduce unintended risks, and in some cases, can be exploited by those seeking to harm the very wildlife we're trying to protect. 🦏 Input now and/or join the discussions/research.
Group
- Latest Discussion
- New "Human Dimensions" group on Wildlabs?
The Human–Wildlife Coexistence (HWC) group is a collaborative hub for conservationists, technologists, field researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators exploring solutions to HWC globally. The group provides a space to share practical tools, pilot novel interventions, connect global communities, and amplify projects that help communities and wildlife coexist. The group emphasizes community voices, socio-economic challenges, and equitable resource sharing, ensuring human perspectives are understood alongside wildlife needs.
🌍 Conservation technology is transforming how we protect wildlife, but are we thinking carefully enough about the risks? Drones, camera traps, GPS trackers, acoustic sensors, AI, and remote sensing have become essential tools for conservation practitioners around the world. They help us monitor species, detect threats, and respond faster than ever before. But these same technologies can also introduce unintended risks, and in some cases, can be exploited by those seeking to harm the very wildlife we're trying to protect. 🦏 Input now and/or join the discussions/research.
Group
- Latest Discussion
- Women in Conservation Forum: 3 Weeks Today!!
Welcome to the home of the Women in Conservation Technology Programme (WiCT)! This is a space for the women and mentors involved in the programme to keep in touch, share updates and resources, and problem solve together! Drop into our group to say hello and keep in touch with the programme and participants.
- Latest Resource
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- Apply Now: 2026 Women in Conservation Technology Programme, Tanzania
We are launching the 2026–2027 Women in Conservation Technology Programme to support early-career Tanzanian women in conservation to build their skills, explore new technologies, and join a dynamic network shaping the future of the field. This refreshed edition features an expanded curriculum incorporating cutting-edge technologies and critical data skills, alongside an increased cohort size to broaden access, strengthen collaboration, and amplify the collective impact of women advancing conservation efforts across Tanzania. DEADLINE EXTENSION: Applications now close 13 May 2026.
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Rita's Content
Hello, My name is Rita Orahle, a Rhino Monitoring Officer from Loisaba Conservancy. In this article, I will give an update on research on the fence and key gained skills and support from the Women in Conservation...
1 December 2023
Article
Support from the WiCT Programme assisted me in pursuing research on the electric rhino fence effects on other wildlife species in Loisaba Conservancy. This project will provide insight into how the design of the fence...
14 November 2023
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