Protecting manatee populations calls for efficient and accurate monitoring methods. That is where artificial intelligence (AI) comes into play. Engineers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a deep learning model that uses AI to count manatees in images taken with cameras. Although the current model can identify manatees in shallow waters and estimate their populations, it still cannot differentiate between adults and calves, or determine the sex of individual manatees – information crucial for conservation and research efforts.
Xingquan Zhu, the lead author of the study, believes that the model will ultimately provide real-time insights into manatee demographics, including their distribution and feeding habits. These insights can guide conservation actions, help prevent habitat loss, and establish rules for boaters and divers.
Traditionally, manatee populations have been monitored by attaching GPS devices to their tails. However, these devices are prone to breaking and come with limitations on the number of animals that can be tracked simultaneously. Additionally, the process is labor-intensive. Seeking a more efficient, cost-effective, and real-time method to estimate manatee populations, the team turned to AI.
To train the model, the engineers gathered videos from U.S. state parks that captured manatees in different seasons and from various angles. From these videos, they selected nearly 700 frames to teach the model how to recognize manatees. However, the AI model occasionally misidentifies large fish or inanimate objects as manatees, indicating areas for improvement.
The team plans to collaborate with biologists to refine the model further. By integrating feedback from experts and continuously training the model with deep learning techniques, they aim to enhance its accuracy and efficiency. Using AI to safeguard manatees not only introduces a faster and more reliable counting method but also contributes to the long-term conservation efforts of these gentle marine mammals.
FAQ Section:
1. What is the purpose of the deep learning model developed by engineers at Florida Atlantic University?
The purpose of the deep learning model is to use artificial intelligence (AI) to count manatees in images taken with cameras. It helps in monitoring and estimating manatee populations.
2. What are the limitations of the current model?
The current model is not able to differentiate between adults and calves, or determine the sex of individual manatees. This information is crucial for conservation and research efforts.
3. How will the model provide real-time insights into manatee demographics?
The model will provide real-time insights into manatee demographics, including their distribution and feeding habits. This information can guide conservation actions, help prevent habitat loss, and establish rules for boaters and divers.
4. How have manatee populations traditionally been monitored?
Traditionally, manatee populations have been monitored by attaching GPS devices to their tails. However, this method has limitations in terms of device breakage and the number of animals that can be simultaneously tracked.
5. How was the deep learning model trained?
The engineers gathered videos from U.S. state parks that captured manatees in different seasons and from various angles. They selected nearly 700 frames from these videos to train the AI model to recognize manatees.
6. Does the AI model have any areas for improvement?
Yes, the AI model occasionally misidentifies large fish or inanimate objects as manatees, indicating areas for improvement. The engineers plan to collaborate with biologists to refine the model further.
Key Terms:
– Artificial intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence in machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception or decision-making.
– Deep learning: A subset of machine learning that uses neural networks with multiple layers to learn and make predictions or decisions based on large amounts of data.
Suggested Related Links:
– Florida Atlantic University
– FAU College of Engineering
– Save the Manatee Club
The source of the article is from the blog be3.sk