How technology is helping ecologists with research and conservation

How new technology is helping ecology to evolve

Ecology experts are turning to new technology to reduce environmental impact and help focus on non-invasive monitoring methods.

Experts from Arbtech have shared the technologies which are leading the way as the field of ecology continues to evolve.

In recent years, ecological research has faced significant technological changes that have helped to reduce the impact on the environment.

Advancements in technology have made research and conservation efforts more efficient, non-invasive, and less resource-intensive.

Equipment such as night vision aids and thermal cameras have led to a reduction in physical disturbance to wildlife, while the rise in AI and automated data collection helps to minimise carbon footprint by reducing the need for researchers to travel as often.

A spokesperson for Arbtech said: “New technologies are enhancing the way that ecological work is undertaken and helping to minimise our impact on the environment.

“The growing popularity of AI offers ecologists a powerful tool when it comes to efficiently analysing and monitoring large datasets.

“While the adoption of technology like night vision has significantly improved the accuracy of bat surveys and reduced the likelihood of missed activity, meaning assessments are now as reliable as possible.

“As ecological studies continue to evolve, embracing new technologies will be key to protecting biodiversity while conducting studies in the least-intrusive way possible.”

Use of new technology in ecology:

A.I

Artificial intelligence is playing a crucial role in tackling the biodiversity crisis, with scientists saying that it can transform the identification and monitoring of species across the world. At Arbtech, they have recognised the important role AI can play in aggregating and analysing the vast amount of ecological data from their own systems, as well as that of the public domain.

Night vision aids

The use of night vision aids for bat emergence and re-entry surveys (BERS) has limited the need for ecologists to conduct surveys at dawn, where bat activity could easily be missed by surveyors rendering it unreliable. The use of night vision aids is also recommended by the Bat Conservation Trust, and since bat activity usually occurs at night, it should help ecological consultants to gain a greater level of insight for bat surveys and reports.

Thermal cameras

The use of thermal cameras is another powerful tool for ecologists and allows researchers to monitor wildlife, assess habitats, and track environmental changes with minimal disturbance. With many animals more active at night, using thermal imaging to detect heat signatures makes the monitoring of animals easier to study.

Drones

Topographical surveys have greatly benefited from advancements in technology. Along with common tools used such as GPS devices and laser scanning equipment, land surveyors are now able to deploy highly specialised survey equipment like drones that can be used for taking photographs or laser scanning for when it is too difficult to reach certain areas of a site.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) testing

Since being approved by Natural England in 2014, eDNA testing has provided ecologists with a fast, cost-effective and non-invasive test that is able to detect great crested newts.

DNA genotyping

When it’s not possible to use traditional bat survey methods, then DNA analysis or bat genotyping can be conducted and is able to reliably identify bat species from their guano (droppings).