Technology has become a major component to our lives. Before we knew it, it had become something that a lot of us use every single day. Even now as you read this post. It has impacted a lot of people’s lives, some say for the worse, while others say for the better. However, how can something that is so every day, help us in the fight against extinction?
Being a ‘90s baby I have seen technology go from large computers, dial up tones and indestructible brick sized phones to smart phones, Wi-Fi and having the world at your fingertips. If someone told me when I was younger that I would be able to take my computer to Spain with me, I would never have believed them. Cue an imagination of a 10-year-old me attempting to unplug my monitor and desktop and attempting to fit it in my suitcase. Before even I knew it, advancements in technology happened so quickly and in such a short period of time that it has now become a norm to be sat on your mobile phone to read about something happening in a completely different country. Something that you would never have known about if it wasn’t for the devices that enabled this to happen.
So then, how can we utilise everything we have learnt so far about technology to save our animals?
Advanced Technologies
When I think of technology in conservation, the first thing my mind comes to is camera traps. These can also be known as trial cameras or trap cameras. This is the piece of technology I have used the most and have seen other people utilise a lot. The idea of a camera trap is exactly as it says on the tin, to place a camera and ‘trap’ a photo. Once set up, the camera is then left in a place where they are triggered by animals’ movements and photos, or videos (settings dependant) are taken to show a unique look into the life of different species. The benefit to camera traps is that these moments can be captured with little to no disturbance to the wildlife. They have even been known to capture completely allusive animals, never seen by human eye.
Though, in my case, this piece of technology helped me in my study on ravens. Left: Camera trap footage of Common raven (Corvus corax; 2021).
Other technologies that are used in conservation include bioacoustics, thermal imaging and even drones. As a bird lover, I have read stories and seen videos on how drones are helping in our skies and tour endangered vultures .
Telemetries and trackers that enable us to see migration or flight patterns and track animals’ whereabouts. There are already so many different technologies, a list too long for this ‘short’ blog post. But I can’t wait to see how much further we can advance to ensure our wildlife and their habitats stay secured.
Social Media
As much as some people may not want to admit it, social media has incredible uses. The way it has enabled people to keep in contact with friends all around the world, share moments with each other and keep us connected even in trying times. Not only that, but social media can be a tool used for conservation and awareness. How many times have you heard of a species you’ve never thought you’d ever know about? Or how you’ve heard about species coming off of the endangered species list due to human intervention?
As the old saying goes, news spreads. Thanks to social media it can spread even faster. It is just a case of ensuring the right information is out there, that the correct moments are going through. I will be posting another blog post in the near future about how our relationship with media has helped in species survival, as well as maybe at times hindered it.
How can you help?
As mentioned, I know when I think of technology my brain automatically goes to advanced camera traps, thermal imaging, or bioacoustics but I need to remind myself how great word of mouth is. Finding out about a species and researching in the right ways is a great way to spread information. Utilizing social media to share our thoughts on the latest Attenborough documentary or latest conservation news on the rhino poaching crises or the fight against the pet trade. Everything you share matters and it’s so important to keep in mind just how much we can change the world and make it a better place. Sometimes we forget about the good in the world.
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