Artificial intelligence is mobilizing for the environment and helping to address a critical problem we all know – invasive species of animals that threaten local nature.
Guy Britzman, Zaviti, Science and Environment News Agency
Invasive species threaten ecosystems around the world. In Israel, the shrike and the tern are negatively altering the ecosystem, and in countries like the UK and the US, invasive species are severely damaging native species. Now, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence offer promising new tools for managing the challenge.
Invading species They are alien species that do not originally belong to the environment they are in. "An invasive species is an alien species that arrived with the help of humans and that has managed to establish itself and reproduce in a new environment, usually without natural enemies to limit its population," explains Dr. Noam Lider, Director of the Ecology Division in the Science Division of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. The competitive advantage of the invasive species in the new environmental conditions allows it to crowd out native species, compete for resources such as food or nesting sites, and even cause significant ecological and economic damage. In IsraelA prominent example of this is the drare bird, which competes with the duchipat – the national bird – for nesting holes and pushes it out of its natural habitats. The process by which an invasive species takes over an ecosystem highlights the urgent need to take steps to prevent new invasions and deal with existing ones.
Artificial intelligence to save red squirrels
In the UK, the red squirrel is a native species that is in danger of extinction. Red squirrels are struggling with invasive grey squirrels that were brought from America more than a century ago. The grey squirrels not only compete for food and habitat but also transmit a virus that does not affect them – but is deadly to red squirrels.
To deal with the problem, Genysys Engine Company developed an artificial intelligence system called Squirrel Agent, which is based on smart cameras that can distinguish between squirrels. The system not only distinguishes between species, but also helps manage populations: it controls access to feeding facilities and allows only red squirrels to enjoy the food, while gray squirrels are served special food that reduces their fertility.
According to Emma McClanahan, co-founder of the company, “This system shows the enormous potential of artificial intelligence to tackle complex environmental challenges.” The system is currently being trialled jointly by five conservation organisations across the UK and is delivering encouraging results.
The Mina and the Harrah in Israel
The common name It is a bird that was brought to the Ramat Gan Safari Park in the 90s as part of an ornamental display. The species escaped from the safari, adapted to the local environment, and began to spread throughout the country.
The myna is native to the Indian subcontinent and is considered an aggressive bird, sometimes crowding out native species from their nesting sites. However, in recent years, there has been significant activity to manage its invasive sites through systematic monitoring and controlled actions to reduce its population in critical areas, as well as raising public awareness of the issue. “The myna is an example of how an invasive species can multiply rapidly in the absence of natural enemies. However, we are focusing on local solutions to minimize its impacts and preserve the local ecosystem,” explains Lider.
In recent years, there has been significant activity to manage its invasion hotspots. Maine. Photo: Daniel Berkowitz
Smart identification of lizards
In Florida, black-and-white Argentine tegu lizards, brought from South America, have become a threat to the ecosystem. Researchers From the University of Florida They developed smart traps equipped with an artificial intelligence system. The traps identify lizards based on their unique skin patterns, allowing for more targeted and efficient capture through remote operation.
According to Melissa Miller, the project's lead researcher, "The use of artificial intelligence allows us to perform more accurate monitoring and capture, while reducing costs and using resources efficiently."
In addition, the system enables monitoring of invasive species in an innovative and cost-effective way – a significant step in the fight against invasive species in large, difficult-to-monitor areas.
Legislation and enforcement
One of the main challenges in dealing with invasive species in Israel is the lack of clear legislation that regulates the issue. "The State of Israel does not have a law that regulates the issue of invasive species, so the treatment is sectoral and ineffective," explains Lider. "Each government ministry and public body deals only with species within its mandate. If an invasive species is discovered in a private yard, there is no legal way to enter there or address the problem." This situation makes it difficult to deal with invasion hotspots and limits the ability to act quickly and effectively. A lack of appropriate budgets and infrastructure deepens the challenge - especially in cases where invasive species have already spread widely.
According to Lider, well-organized legislation is a basic condition for success in the fight. Laws that define the responsibilities of private and public entities will allow entry into private invasion hotspots and require reporting of the discovery of invasive species; these can provide significant tools for the authorities. In addition, clear legislation may facilitate cooperation and coordination between all relevant government ministries, and with the community, with the aim of raising public awareness of the damage that invasive species cause and encouraging the public to take an active part in preventing and treating the problem. "The fight against invasive species is not just a matter of technology or resources - it also depends on wise policy and the ability to implement it effectively," he explains.
Combining forces: technology and public awareness
The cases in the UK and the US illustrate how advanced technologies can be a powerful tool in the fight against invasive species. However, their success depends not only on technological innovation but also on the creation of comprehensive public policy and active community involvement.
Lider emphasizes that the fight against invasive species should focus on mechanisms to prevent their entry into Israel. Once they have already established themselves in Israel, the necessary treatment should be carried out in parallel with extensive information and community participation in creating solutions. "We need to present the importance of actions such as monitoring or pest control in a way that makes clear their positive consequences, even if they may initially arouse controversy," he explains.
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