In today’s world, scientists and conservationists are starting to work together to look for solutions to help the plight of endangered species around the globe. These solutions are primarily using technology to help revitalize different populations of animals that are experiencing a decline. Using different technologies, scientists and conservation groups are finally being able to gain some ground in this fight. Here are 10 promising technologies that are working to help save the world’s endangered or threatened animal species.
1. GPS Tracking
The first technology that has been helpful with endangered animals is GPS tracking science. With GPS tracking devices fitted onto creatures that are part of a herd or individual animals, scientists can pinpoint the whereabouts of a specific species. Animals that live in remote, hard to reach areas are now able to be monitored with this technology. Additionally, some dangerous animals that have gotten too close to human populations are able to be safely transplanted and monitored in a more remote location.
2. Satellite Imagery
Next, scientists have found a wealth of opportunities for animal conservation with satellite mapping technology. With better mapping tools, biologists are able to zoom in for a closer look at a specific animal’s habitat or region. It’s even possible to check on large groups of animals with real-time satellite data that can take pictures of a region over time.
3. Fresh Water Availability
In some parts of the world, like North Africa and the Middle East, the availability of fresh water has been a roadblock to certain species of animals being able to thrive. Now, companies are providing fresh water sources, like desalination plants, to give desert animals more drinking water. Problems like climate change and overpopulation can be combated with more fresh water production for the threatened animals around the world.
4. Gene Therapy
Scientists have also worked to help some animals with devastating diseases that have threatened an entire population. The Tasmanian devil and its plight with a contagious form of facial cancer have perplexed zoologists for some time now. Now, research is being conducted on how to save these animals from this deadly disease. Scientists are using gene therapy to discover ways to help cure the animals of the pandemic.
5. Drone Technology
The evolution of drones has also been beneficial to those committed to animal conservation. Drone technology makes it possible to record video and take pictures in the most remote areas of the earth to help monitor conditions for animals in the area. It can also be used in the fight against illegal poaching to help try and capture images of vehicles and individuals who are hunting down the planet’s most treasured wildlife.
6. Sound Collection
Collecting sounds of wildlife, like birds chirping and vocalizations, has always been an important part of animal conservation study and research. The usual way for sound collection to happen is for a company to send in a field researcher, which can be costly and difficult in some wild areas. Today, there are ways to collect sounds remotely, which gives researchers real-time data about the population statistics of the birds around the world.
7. Computer Analysis
Another helpful tool in the battle against declining populations of wildlife is powerful computer software. Today’s supercomputers are able to accurately predict when and where animals and humans may clash. This allows researchers to do things in a more proactive approach to prevent problems with habitats or behavior.
8. Marine Sonography
The world’s oceans are also at risk because of the various problems associated with climate change and overfishing. Marine sonography equipment allows researchers to find out more about what is going on beneath the surface of the water. This technology makes it possible to explore the depths that divers cannot reach or spots that are too dangerous to use manned technology to study.
9. Agrochemical Development
The agricultural industry is also involved in the future of the planet’s endangered species. Today, more companies are taking steps to develop agrochemicals that are better for the planet. Individuals like Jai Shroff, who heads worldwide agriculture chemical corporation United Phosphorus Limited, are working to discover new farming methods that can meet the needs of the world’s population while also being earth-friendly. In the future, expect more developments in this arena for more responsible food production methods.
10. Public Awareness
Lastly, technology has also opened up the minds of the people of the world to learn more about the endangered animals that could soon be extinct. With the rise of global communication, constant news sources, social media, and the internet, more people of the world are taking action to help protect the threatened species on the planet. As more individuals take action, the world can benefit from this new awareness.
As the planet adjusts and changes with a constantly growing population, more scientists and responsible companies are looking for ways to save threatened species. Using technology and help from the people around the world, the earth may experience fewer instances of extinctions that could impact the global climate.