Ten years ago, we couldn't have imagined how tools like machine learning, eDNA, and satellites would advance and transform conservation work. Now technology is advancing faster than ever, and as tools become smaller, lighter, and more affordable, it's vital to have a space where community members can discuss the next big thing, share ideas, compare tool options, and tell the story of their experiences - positive, negative, and anything in between - while using new technologies.
In 2021, the WILDLABS State of Conservation Tech report detailed what tools show the most promise according to community members, as well as what tools are currently seen as the most effective. And as new tools enter the field, we're excited to see how this data will change over time, and how this group grows over time as well.
Our State of Conservation Tech research also discusses something called the "Hype Cycle" - the pattern that occurs when a new technology bursts onto the scene, promises to be an exciting solution, encounters challenges as new users adopt the tool and put it into practice beyond just theory, and eventually settles into its most effective state as users acquire the right skills to use it to its actual potential. Machine learning, one of the most promising technologies, is currently in the middle of its own hype cycle, and we see community members working through their own hurdles to incorporate ML into their work effectively. Despite what you may think, this Hype Cycle can also be positive for tech development, as it means that users have big ideas for new tools, and with the right resources and skills, they can work toward bringing those ideas to life. And as our community members experiences the Hype Cycle for various tools at their own paces, we hope this group will also serve as a place to discuss that process and overcome hurdles together.
Ready to discover new possibilities? Join our Emerging Tech group now and get to know your forward-thinking conservation tech peers!
Header photo: Internet of Elephants
University of Adelaide
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- 10 Discussions
- 17 Groups
- @pbull
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DrivenData
Engineer and AI for Good leader working on bringing machine learning tools to social impact organizations.
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- 0 Discussions
- 8 Groups
- @jakefaber
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Upstream Tech
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 4 Groups
Team lead for the ARISE Biocloud team, developing an infrastructure for biodiversity monitoring and digital species identification. Also, project lead for the Diopsis insect camera project.
- 1 Resources
- 2 Discussions
- 7 Groups
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 8 Groups
Allen Institute for AI
Communications for EarthRanger and Skylight
- 8 Resources
- 5 Discussions
- 10 Groups
TerrOïko
PhD Student in statistical ecology
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 7 Groups
TerrOïko
R&D Engineer
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 6 Groups
- @hjayanto
- | He/Him
Your friendly Indo-Crocky-Croc
- 0 Resources
- 29 Discussions
- 16 Groups
- @catwasp
- | She/her
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 19 Groups
Aeracoop & Dronecoria
Computer engineer, Drone Pilot, Seed researcher
- 1 Resources
- 30 Discussions
- 9 Groups
Ph.D Speech-Hearing Sciences; 3D Designer/Printer interested in building/testing/deploying standardized environmental recording platforms for scientists and engineers in developing countries.
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 10 Groups
The Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering (AOPE) at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) seek to hire 1-2 scientists at any of the Assistant/Associate/Senior Scientist levels to develop research...
27 November 2023
TagRanger® is a state-of-the-art wildlife finding, monitoring and tracking solution for research, conservation and environmental professionals. With superior configurability for logging data, reporting location and...
23 November 2023
OUT NOW: Our three-year trends report delivers the first global assessment tracking evolving perceptions and engagement in the tech for biodiversity and conservation space. Here are five things we found.
15 November 2023
Yale University & Map of Life Rapid Assessments - XPRIZE
8 November 2023
Yale University & Map of Life Rapid Assessments - XPRIZE
8 November 2023
Yale University & Map of Life Rapid Assessments - XPRIZE
8 November 2023
Article
Five #tech4wildlife people, projects and updates that caught my attention this month. This issue is a naturetech, biodiversity startup edition! Featuring a living map of the biodiversity startup scene, is nature data...
27 October 2023
Listen in to our newest podcast for a behind-the-scenes breakdown with your tech4nature insiders of the latest events, conversations, and news happening in the conservation space.
27 October 2023
Have you created a successful career in tech and are ready to do something good with your skills and experience? If yes, then join Open Earth's Earthshot mission to build open source digital systems and solutions to...
25 October 2023
Careers
The Institute of Zoology (IoZ), the research division of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), is seeking to fill three new permanent positions by recruiting outstanding early-career researchers as Research Fellows (...
20 October 2023
Article
Five #tech4wildlife people, projects and updates that caught our attention this month. An AI supported bear early warning system, a project that's connecting indigenous communities with high speed internet, exploring...
12 September 2023
Earth Species Project is partnering with the Footprint Coalition to provide grants for research at the intersection of ML and interspecies communication, including applications to conservation.
23 August 2023
August 2024
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March 2024
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February 2024
Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
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Hi Danilo. you seem very passionate about this initiative which is a good start.It is an interesting coincidence that I am starting another project for the coral reefs in the... |
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Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Biologging, Camera Traps, Citizen Science, Climate Change, Community Base, Connectivity, Drones, Emerging Tech, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Open Source Solutions, Sensors, Software and Mobile Apps, Wildlife Crime | 4 months ago | |
Hi!I would take a look at Although developed for camera trap imagery, it is by no means restricted to such.Cheers,Lars |
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Camera Traps, Community Base, Data management and processing tools, Drones, Emerging Tech, Remote Sensing & GIS, Software and Mobile Apps | 4 months 1 week ago | |
Hi folks! Happy 2024 and thanks in advance for your patience in case I over-used tags. If you’re using any form of natural language... |
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AI for Conservation, Citizen Science, Climate Change, Conservation Tech Training and Education, Data management and processing tools, Early Career, East Africa Community, Emerging Tech, Ending Wildlife Trafficking Online, Ethics of Conservation Tech, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Open Source Solutions, Software and Mobile Apps, Wildlife Crime, Women in Conservation Tech Programme (WiCT) | 4 months 4 weeks ago | |
Will you accept personal/hobbyist focused on conservation on their small plots of land (10-100 acres)?I would, and know others, who would happily pay more than the official... |
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Camera Traps, Climate Change, Community Base, Connectivity, Emerging Tech, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Sensors, Wildlife Crime | 5 months 2 weeks ago | |
Thank you Stefan! Will follow up with your email shortly. |
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Acoustics, Emerging Tech, Ethics of Conservation Tech | 5 months 3 weeks ago | |
@JakeBurton and @HollyCormack have a first look at The Inventory, a WILDLABS project to build a dynamic, collaborative, wiki-inspired... |
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Emerging Tech | 5 months 3 weeks ago | |
@TaliaSpeaker and @Fanni joined our last Variety Hour to talk us through the key trends and takeaways from this first global assessment... |
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Emerging Tech, Community Base | 5 months 3 weeks ago | |
I always thought a tracker that attached like a slap bracelet would be sweet. |
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Emerging Tech, Footprint Identification Technique (FIT), Sensors | 5 months 4 weeks ago | |
My suggestion would probably be a 3D printer and Solder Station with a stock of common components. With those two things you can solve most problems. |
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Community Base, Emerging Tech, Marine Conservation, Protected Area Management Tools, Sensors | 6 months 1 week ago | |
Hi Emma, In your new project, if you have interest in a direct to satellite platform perspective, you can contact me on [email protected] Would be interested to see your outcomes... |
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Emerging Tech, Ethics of Conservation Tech | 8 months 1 week ago | |
Makes sense if you have the cash... |
+8
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Biologging, Climate Change, Sensors, Build Your Own Data Logger Community, Emerging Tech | 8 months 2 weeks ago | |
Have you tried or considered Garmin Inreach or Zoleo trackers?I have experience with Garmin Inreach in relatively rugged terrain in Greenland (probably not as steep as what you... |
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Connectivity, Emerging Tech, Protected Area Management Tools | 8 months 2 weeks ago |
Insight; a secure online platform designed for sharing experiences of conservation tool use.
7 November 2023 1:01pm
A secure platform designed for those working to monitor & protect natural resources. Insight facilitates sharing experience, knowledge & tools to increase efficiency & effectiveness in conservation. By sharing we reduce time & money spent to find, test, & implement solutions.
A SPOTLIGHT ON CUTTING-EDGE BIOMONITORING TECHNOLOGIES
31 October 2023 9:09am
31 January 2024 7:17pm
Technology Aids Desert Tortoise Conservation Efforts
30 October 2023 1:33pm
Hardshell Labs advances desert tortoise conservation efforts by duping one of its biggest predators—ravens—by combining 3D-printing and spraying grape scent.
In case you missed it... (no.2)
27 October 2023 1:20pm
Introducing The Debrief: Season 1
27 October 2023 10:48am
Lead Data Engineer - Climate Solutions, Open Earth
25 October 2023 11:07am
Virtual Reality (VR) in Climate Change & Conservation Education
25 October 2023 10:43am
ZSL Research Fellow (x3 roles)
20 October 2023 3:34pm
Practical strategies for conservationists in an increasingly digital world
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Leveraging new digital technologies for conservation impact
9 October 2023 4:39pm
GEO BON Monitoring Biodiversity for Action
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How to Cover Conservation Technology | Mongabay Webinars
29 September 2023 10:22am
Looking for advice around building a survey to develop guidance & prioritize tech development to meet ranger/First Nations' needs in Australia.
19 September 2023 3:08am
21 September 2023 4:07am
Hey Akiba, please get in contact with me about this on [email protected]. We are looking on ways to collab in this area too. Especially in developing training resources!
21 September 2023 4:09am
Thanks Steph, would love to chat more about how you went about setting up the surveys themselves and whether you were able to reach any Indigenous/Ranger/First Nations groups across the Country. Please email me @ [email protected]
25 September 2023 9:34pm
Hi Emma, In your new project, if you have interest in a direct to satellite platform perspective, you can contact me on [email protected] Would be interested to see your outcomes and happy to have a chat if we can assist
Best Temperature/ Humidity Dataloggers
24 April 2023 1:30pm
11 September 2023 2:49pm
Heya Nick - ooh cool! We thought about the Kestrels but I had heard about some of the problems with them maxing out at 100. Have gone for HOBO Pro V2s
11 September 2023 2:51pm
Heya Matthew cheers for providing a comparison! We went with HOBO Pro V2s which are more expensive but have been working well so far!
23 September 2023 6:14am
Makes sense if you have the cash...
Digital Disruption for Conservation Toolkit
22 September 2023 12:18pm
Made available by the Digital Disruption and the Future of Conservation project team at Unearthodox, the toolkit provides conservation practitioners with a comprehensive introduction to Web 3.0 and AI concepts and their potential use for nature conservation.
Recommendations for Personnel Trackers in challenging terrain
18 August 2023 2:22pm
22 August 2023 1:31pm
Hi Lisa,
Not my area of expertise either and hopefully I'm not way off base here as it's not a cheap tracker but...have you looked at near vertical incident skywave (NVIS) radio systems? I was trialling them in Nouabalé-Ndoki - we didn't have the terrain issues but we did have vegetation issues - and they worked really well over long distances. Also possible to integrate with Earthranger if I recall correctly.
Hope this is of at least a little help.
Best,
Emma
17 September 2023 1:33pm
Hi Lisa.
Did you ever find a solution for this? Would love to chat more about the use case and requirements.
Akiba
18 September 2023 8:10am
Have you tried or considered Garmin Inreach or Zoleo trackers?
I have experience with Garmin Inreach in relatively rugged terrain in Greenland (probably not as steep as what you have).
They work relatively well. One disadvantage with the early models is that the tracking data can not be downloaded directly from the devices as .gpx but needs to take the detour over the Garmin cloud. The newer models have direct download of tracks available.
I like the fact that the Garmin units are proper standalone handheld GPS units to be used for navigation and waypoint marking and you can also relatively easily share your own location and even points of interest with team members in the field (by sending geotagged messages - not actual waypoints, unfortunately).
Garmin Inreach is listed as an EarthRanger partner at https://www.earthranger.com/partner but I have no idea if there is any possibility of real integration.
Cheers,
Lars
In case you missed it... (no. 1)
12 September 2023 11:49am
13 September 2023 6:23am
Alibaba Cloud's Geo Fencing System in the Mara
1 September 2023 12:27pm
Wilson Sairowua, Tracking Manager at Mara Elephant Project (MEP) narrates how tech4change, Alibaba Cloud's Geo Fencing System paired with collaring has helped to mitigate human-elephant conflict across Maasai Mara and has facilitated a 72% increase in elephants in the Mara region
How to report on biodiversity impacts at scale for TNFD
24 August 2023 12:41pm
Fast grants program for ML and interspecies communication
23 August 2023 5:16pm
Catch up with The Variety Hour: August 2023
14 August 2023 11:50am
Human-Elephant Conflict Tech Solution in Tsavo: NdovuCare
7 August 2023 1:36pm
30 April 2024 12:48am
9 May 2024 1:56pm
15 May 2024 9:34am
#Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge: Judges' Panel Honorees
4 August 2023 10:00am
#Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge: Community Choice Honorees
3 August 2023 10:00am
360 Camera for Marine Monitoring
25 July 2023 8:54am
28 July 2023 7:43pm
Hi Sol,
For my research on fish, I had to put together a low-cost camera that could record video for several weeks. Here is the design I came up with
FishCam: A low-cost open source autonomous camera for aquatic research
We describe the “FishCam”, a low-cost (<500 USD) autonomous camera package to record videos and images underwater. The system is composed of easily ac…
At the time of the paper, I was able to record video for ~12 hours a day at 10 fps and for up to 14 days. With new SD cards now, it is pushed to 21 days. It costs about 600 USD if you build it yourself. If you don't want to make it yourself, there is a company selling it now, but it is much more expensive. The FOV is 110 degrees, so not the 360 that you need, but I think there are ways to make it work (e.g. with the servo motor).
Happy to chat if you decide to go this route and/or want to brainstorm ideas.
Cheers,
Xavier
3 August 2023 2:32am
Hi Xavier, this is fantastic! Thanks for sharing, the time frame is really impressive and really in line with what we're looking for. I'll send you a message.
Cheers,
Sol
3 August 2023 3:19am
I agree, this would be great for canopy work!
How are the Arts intersecting with Conservation Technology in a rapidly changing world?
2 June 2023 10:30am
1 August 2023 8:27am
15 November 2023 6:10pm