Thanks to all the organisers and moderators (@annavallery , @cbreen and @ViktorDo), speakers (@Isla, Mahya, Valerie and Li) and participants for attending! We had a very interesting conversation with Isla on her research during the break-out groups and also addressed some of the questions that came up during her presentation:

• What imagery did you use?

Digital Global Foundation provides imagery at no cost for research purposes only. Isla could get access to satellite imagery such as GeoEye-1. Cost is still a limiting factor for operational use cases outside of research projects. Back in December there was an opportunity to get VHR imagery (Pleiades Neo) from Airbus Foundation through Connected Conservation (this is an annual opportunity that they offer).

• How does forest canopy or clouds impact imagery use for research purposes and results?

Clouds are an issue. When you put in a request for the imagery tasking you can specify % cloud cover threshold. Unfortunately, you cannot see forest animals using optical data if they are under the canopy.

Also posting here her papers in case anyone is interested:

• AI-based satellite survey offers independent assessment of migratory wildebeest numbers in the Serengeti
• Automated rhinoceros detection in satellite imagery using deep learning
• Deep learning enables satellite-based monitoring of large populations of terrestrial mammals across heterogeneous landscape
• Using very-high-resolution satellite imagery and deep learning to detect and count African elephants in heterogeneous landscapes.

We also touched on the use of spaceborne/airborne radar for detecting animal migration and we would be keen to hear about any research that is being done on that topic (if any). If anyone has any papers or is working on an R&D project please add the to this thread!