Scientists apply techniques reminiscent of 'Jurassic Park' to study species believed to be extinct: 'Innovative tools and technology'

When European settlers arrived in New Zealand in the late 19th century, they brought numerous animal species with them. Intended for food, fur, farming, and companionship, these introductions also caused severe harm to the native wildlife populations.

Nearly 150 years later, conservationists are now leveraging artificial intelligence to control these invasive species, aiming to make New Zealand pest-free by 2050.

One notable example is the takah, a flightless bird believed to be extinct in 1898. A small surviving population was discovered in 1948, sparking decades of preservation efforts. Today, ecosanctuaries have boosted takah numbers to over 500. To protect them from predators like stoats, some facilities have built what is described as "a high-security wildlife enclosure, reminiscent of Jurassic Park."

Madison Kelly from Orokonui Ecosanctuary explained that their facility functions as both a biodiversity hub and a community project. Complete eradication of invasive species is nearly impossible in a country the size of New Zealand, with annual costs exceeding $100 million.

AI is helping reduce these costs by using smart cameras and sensor-equipped traps that target only invasive animals. Jonah Kitto-Verhoef of the Halo Project highlighted that machine learning greatly enhances efficiency, saving time and resources while protecting species that have evolved in isolation for millions of years.

Conservation strategies include wildlife cameras, breeding programs away from predators, land acquisition to safeguard ecosystems, and the creation of comprehensive sanctuaries.

Efforts to undo human and environmental damage have shown positive results worldwide, such as the growth of porpoise populations in China and the protection of thousands of acres of land in Maine.

Brent Beaven from New Zealand's Predator Free 2050 program emphasized that by mid-century, newly developed tools and technologies will revolutionize how native wildlife is preserved, marking a transformative step in the country's conservation practices.

Author: Sophia Brooks