A

Micro Project On
“AI For Wildlife Conservation”

Submitted by

7.Mahima Mogal

Under Guidance of
Ms. S. U. Kavale

Diploma Course in Information Technology

(As per directives of I Scheme, MSBTE)

Sinhgad Institutes
Sinhgad Technical Education Society’s
SOU. VENUTAI CHAVAN POLYTECHNIC, PUNE - 411041
ACADEMIC YEAR 2023 - 2024
Maharashtra State Board of technical
Education Certificate

This is to certify that Miss.Mahima Mogal with Roll No.7 of Fifth

Semester of Diploma in Information Technology of Institute
Sou. Venutai Chavan Polytechnic (Code:0040) has successfully
completed the Micro-Project in Environmental Studies(22447)
for the academic year 2023-2024.

Place: SVCP, Pune Enrolment No: 2000400213

Date:1/11/2023 Exam Seat No: 168316

Ms. S. U. Kavale Mr. U. S. Shirshetti Dr. M. S. Jadhav

Course Teacher Head of Program Principal
 Annexure – I
Part A-Micro project proposal

A. BRIEF INTRODUCTION:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing wildlife conservation by leveraging
advanced technologies like machine learning and computer vision. AI-enabled camera
traps automatically capture and analyze images of wildlife, aiding in population counts
and species identification. These technologies play a crucial role in anti-poaching
efforts by detecting and responding to illegal activities in real-time. AI also assists in
habitat monitoring, predictive modeling of animal behavior, and data management,
enabling data-driven conservation planning. Moreover, AI engages the public, raises
awareness, and contributes to genetic analysis, helping preserve biodiversity and
protect endangered species. With its multifaceted applications, AI is becoming an
indispensable tool in the efforts to safeguard our planet's wildlife and ecosystems.

AIM OF THE PROJECT:

The project entitled “AI For Wildlife Conservation” is aimed to study the environmental
issues in Environmental Studies.

INTENTED COURSE OUTCOME:

a. Develop Public awareness about environment
b. Conserve Ecosystem and Biodiversity
c. Apply techniques to reduce Environmental Pollution
d. Manage social issues and Environmental Ethics as lifelong learning

B. RESOURCES REQUIRED:

Name of Resource
Sr . No. Specification
Required
1 Laptop Intel (R) Core i7- 16GB RAM
2 Operating system Windows 11
3 Software Google, chrome
3. ACTION PLAN:

SR.NO. DETAIL OF ACTIVITY WEEK

1 Discussion and finalization of topic 7/8/2023

2 Preparation and submission of Abstract 21/8/2023

3 Literature Review 28/8/2023

4 Collection of Data 18/9/2023

5 Discussion and outline of Content 25/9/2023
6 Editing and proof Reading of Content 9/10/2023

7 Compilation of Report and Presentation 16/10/2023

8 Final submission of Micro Project 1/11/2023

GROUP MEMBERS:

Roll. No. Name of group members

7 Mahima Mogal
 Annexure II
Part B- Micro-Project
1.Rationale

The world today is facing the biggest challenge of survival. Degradation of ecosystem,
depletion of natural resources, increasing levels of pollution pose major threat to the survival
of mankind. The need of the hour, therefore, is to concentrate on the area of environmental
aspects, which shall provide an insight into various environment related issues.
Environmental studies are an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical,
chemical and biological sciences, with the study of the environment. It provides an integrated,
quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental system & gives an
insight into solutions of environmental problems.

2.Course Outcome Addressed

• Develop Public awareness about environment.
• Select alternative energy resources for Engineering Practice
• Conserve Ecosystem and Biodiversity
• Apply techniques to reduce Environmental Pollution
• Manage social issues and Environmental Ethics as lifelong learning

3.Actual Method Followed

The process for this micro project is to make a “AI For Wildlife Conservation”.

We collect information and organize by following points:

1. Collect the information on Urban Ecology.
2. Show the information to faculty.
3. Learn about ecology.
4. First make a raw report and then correct it.
5. After all the corrections make a proposal.
6. Then prepare a project on “a “AI For Wildlife Conservation”
7. Make a power point presentation on the safety management.
8. Make pdf of report and print it.
9. We learn more about Environmental Studies.
 ANNEXURE III
Evaluation Sheet for the Micro Project
Academic Year: 2023-2024 Name of the Faculty: Ms. S. U. Kawale
Course:Environmental Studies Course Code: 22447 Semester: Fifth

Title of the project: a “AI For Wildlife Conservation”

COs addressed by Micro Project:

S. No Course Outcomes
A Develop Public awareness about environment.
B Select alternative energy resources for Engineering Practice.
C Conserve Ecosystem and Biodiversity.
D Apply techniques to reduce Environmental Pollution.
E Manage social issues and Environmental Ethics as lifelong learning.

Major learning outcomes achieved by students by doing the project

.
.
(a) Unit outcomes in Cognitive domain:

1. Discuss about the need of public awareness about environment.

2. Describe Various environmental issues.
3. State source and effects of air pollution.
4. Enlist various acts on environmental and its provisions.

Comments/suggestions about team work /leadership/inter-personal communication (if

any)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Marks out of 6 Marks out of 4

Roll for performance for performance
No Name of the Student in group activity in oral/ Total Marks
(D5 Col.8) presentation out of 10
(D5 Col.9)

7 Mahima Mogal
 (Name & Signature)

Introduction
❖ What is AI for Wildlife conservation ?

AI for wildlife conservation refers to the application of artificial intelligence (AI)

technologies to address challenges related to the preservation and protection of wildlife and
their ecosystems. This involves utilizing AI techniques such as machine learning, computer
vision, data analysis, and predictive modeling to gather, process, and interpret data in ways
that support conservation efforts. AI technologies are used for tasks such as species
identification, habitat monitoring, anti-poaching efforts, disease detection, ecological
modeling, and more. By leveraging AI's capabilities, conservationists and researchers can
make more informed decisions, efficiently manage ecosystems, monitor species populations,
and implement strategies to mitigate threats to wildlife.
 ❖ Causes of Wildlife Conservation

Climate Change Mitigation: Healthy ecosystems, including forests and wetlands, play a role
in carbon sequestration and climate regulation. Conserving these ecosystems contributes to
climate change mitigation.

• Education and Awareness:

Conservation efforts often involve educating the public about the importance of
wildlife and biodiversity. Raising awareness helps foster a sense of responsibility and
encourages support for conservation initiatives.

• Scientific Research:
Wildlife conservation supports scientific research to better understand species,
ecosystems, and the impact of human activities. This research informs conservation
strategies and policies.

• Sustainable Resource Management:

Conservation promotes sustainable practices for harvesting natural resources, such as
fisheries and forests, to ensure they can meet the needs of current and future
generations.
• Economic Benefits:
Conservation can provide economic benefits through ecotourism, which generates
income for local communities and contributes to national economies.
• Ethical and Moral Considerations:
Many individuals and organizations view wildlife conservation as an ethical and
moral responsibility. They believe that all species have intrinsic value and a right to
exist.

• Cultural and Traditional Values:

Indigenous and local communities often have deep cultural and traditional
connections to wildlife and nature. Conservation respects and acknowledges these
values and incorporates traditional knowledge into conservation efforts.

• International Cooperation:
Wildlife conservation often requires international collaboration, as many species
migrate across borders. It fosters goodwill among nations and promotes diplomacy.

• Legal Protections:
Governments and international organizations implement laws and regulations to
protect wildlife and their habitats. These legal protections are crucial for conservation
efforts.

• Preventing Zoonotic Diseases:

Conservation can reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can spread from
animals to humans) by minimizing human-wildlife contact and addressing factors that
contribute to disease transmission.

• Sustainable Development:
Balancing economic development with wildlife conservation is essential to ensure
that human activities do not harm ecosystems and species.

These causes of wildlife conservation demonstrate the multifaceted nature of

conservation efforts, which address ecological, economic, ethical, and cultural
dimensions of preserving the natural world. Wildlife conservation is a global
endeavor that requires collective action to protect and sustain Earth's biodiversity.
 ❖ Importance of Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife conservation is incredibly important due to the challenges ecosystems and species
face globally. Human activities like deforestation, pollution, and climate change have caused
a rapid decline in biodiversity, disrupting the balance of nature. Conserving wildlife helps
maintain healthy ecosystems that provide essential services like clean air, water, and
pollination. It also supports economic sectors like tourism and medicine, preserves cultural
values, and contributes to climate change mitigation. By protecting species and their habitats,
we ensure a sustainable future for both nature and humanity.
 ❖ Need for wildlife conservation due to the ongoing challenges faced by
ecosystems and species worldwide ?

Wildlife conservation is imperative due to the multitude of challenges ecosystems and species
face worldwide. Human activities, including habitat destruction, pollution, climate change,
and illegal wildlife trade, have led to unprecedented biodiversity loss and ecological
imbalances. As ecosystems degrade and species populations decline, the delicate web of life
is disrupted, impacting ecosystem services, human livelihoods, and the planet's overall health.
Preserving biodiversity through conservation efforts helps maintain ecosystem stability,
genetic diversity, and ecological resilience. It also ensures the sustainable use of natural

resources, supports scientific research, and safeguards the cultural and aesthetic value of
wildlife. By addressing these challenges, wildlife conservation contributes to a more
sustainable future for both nature and humanity.
❖ AI- based Wildlife
Conservation
Projects and
Use- Cases

• Vast Data Collection:

AI revolutionizes wildlife conservation by handling vast amounts of data generated
from various sources like camera traps, sensors, and satellite imagery. It efficiently
processes and analyzes this data, extracting valuable insights that aid conservation
efforts.

• Study and Protect Animals:

AI enables detailed studies of animal behavior, migration patterns, and interactions.
Researchers gain deeper understanding of species' needs and habitats, allowing for
better protection strategies. For instance, AI helps monitor nesting and breeding
behavior to enhance protection of critical life stages.

• Tracking Wildlife Patterns:

 With AI, wildlife movements can be tracked in real-time. This allows
conservationists to monitor migration routes, identify key habitats, and
anticipate potential conflicts with human activities.

• Prediction and Endangered Species:

AI's predictive capabilities aid in identifying potential threats to species and
ecosystems. By analyzing historical data, it can predict where vulnerable species
might be at risk due to habitat loss, climate change, or other factors, enabling
proactive conservation actions.

• Ceasing Poaching:
AI-based surveillance systems combat poaching by detecting unusual activities,
identifying potential poachers, and alerting authorities in real-time. This has proven
effective in protected areas, curbing illegal hunting and protecting endangered
animals.

• Classify Animal Species:

AI's image recognition capabilities classify animal species from images and even
sound analysis. This assists in wildlife surveys, population estimation, and
understanding species distribution. It speeds up data processing and enhances
accuracy.

Incorporating AI into wildlife conservation enhances our ability to manage and

protect ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable future for both wildlife and humanity. By
leveraging AI's analytical power, conservationists can make informed decisions and
effectively address the challenges faced by the natural world.
 ❖ Monitoring :

• Subtitle: AI in Camera Traps

AI plays a crucial role in analyzing camera trap images to identify species with speed and
accuracy. This process involves the following steps:

• Data Collection: Camera traps are set up in various locations, capturing images of
animals that pass by. These images are collected over time, resulting in a significant
amount of data.

• Image Preprocessing: Before AI analysis begins, the images often undergo

preprocessing to enhance quality. This might involve adjusting lighting, contrast, and
removing irrelevant information.

• Training Data Preparation: To teach AI models, a dataset of labeled images is

created. This dataset includes images with species labels, enabling the AI to learn the
visual characteristics of different animals.

• Feature Extraction: During training, the AI model extracts complex features such as
shapes, patterns, and textures that are unique to each species. These features help the
AI differentiate between animals.
• Model Training and Validation: The AI model goes through multiple training
iterations. It learns by comparing its predictions with the actual species labels in the
training dataset. Validation data is used to fine-tune the model's accuracy.

• Testing and Inference: Once the AI model is trained, it's ready to analyze new
camera trap images. It compares the features it detects in the images to its learned
patterns to make predictions about the species present.

• Classification and Confidence: The AI model assigns a label to each image,

indicating the identified species. Additionally, it provides a confidence score that
indicates how certain the model is about its prediction.
 ❖Species Identic
Subtitle : AI-Powered Species Identification

AI-powered species identification refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine
learning techniques to identify and classify different species of organisms, including plants,
animals, and microorganisms. This technology has the potential to revolutionize biodiversity
research, conservation efforts, and various industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and
environmental monitoring

• Image Precision: AI accurately identifies species by analyzing distinct visual

features in images.

• Sound Differentiation: AI extends identification to unique species sounds,

enhancing monitoring capabilities.
 • Efficiency and Speed: AI processes vast datasets rapidly, enabling quick
and reliable species identification.

• Enhanced Conservation: AI's precise identification aids in population

assessment and informs effective conservation strategies.

❖ Anti-Poaching and Security

Anti-poaching and security measures are essential components of wildlife conservation

efforts aimed at protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity. Poaching, illegal
logging, and habitat destruction are major threats to wildlife around the world.

• Predictive Analytics: AI uses historical data on poaching activities and

other environmental factors to predict potential future poaching hotspots,
enabling law enforcement to be more proactive.
• Drone Surveillance: Drones equipped with AI can patrol protected areas,
identifying and tracking suspicious activities in real-time.
❖ Data Analysis and Modeling

Data analysis and modeling play a crucial role in AI-driven wildlife conservation efforts.
They help researchers and conservationists make informed decisions, monitor wildlife
populations, and understand ecosystem dynamics.

• Population Dynamics: AI-driven algorithms process vast datasets to estimate

population sizes, migration patterns, and reproductive rates, aiding in conservation
planning.
• Ecological Modeling: AI helps simulate and understand complex ecological
interactions, predicting how species might respond to changes in their environment.
❖ Disease Monitoring and Climate Impact

AI technologies have a significant impact on disease monitoring and climate assessment in

the context of wildlife conservation. Here's how AI is applied to these critical aspects of
conservation:

Disease Monitoring:

• Early Detection:
AI models can analyze various data sources, including satellite imagery, climate data, and
wildlife movement patterns, to detect potential disease outbreaks in wildlife populations.
Early detection allows for rapid response measures to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Predictive Modeling:
Machine learning models can predict disease outbreaks by considering factors such as
temperature, humidity, and animal behavior.
These models can help authorities and conservationists allocate resources for disease
management effectively.

• Diagnostic Assistance:
AI can assist in diagnosing diseases in wildlife by analyzing diagnostic images, such as
histopathology slides or radiographs.
Automated image analysis can help pathologists identify disease markers more quickly and
accurately.
❖ Habitat Restoration and Genetic Analysis

AI can analyze various environmental and ecological factors, including soil composition,
topography, and historical land use, to identify suitable areas for habitat restoration.
This helps conservationists prioritize areas where restoration efforts are likely to be most
effective.
• Plant Selection and Monitoring:
AI models can assist in selecting appropriate plant species for restoration based on local
environmental conditions.
Drones equipped with AI-powered image recognition can monitor plant growth and health,
allowing for timely intervention if issues arise.
• Invasive Species Management:
AI can identify invasive plant species through image recognition and help prioritize removal
efforts.
It can also predict the spread of invasive species based on ecological data.
• Monitoring Ecosystem Recovery:
Remote sensing and AI techniques can monitor the progress of habitat restoration by
analyzing changes in vegetation cover, water quality, and habitat suitability.
This ensures that restoration goals are being met.
• Predictive Modeling:
AI models can predict how ecosystems will respond to restoration efforts under various
climate scenarios.
This helps conservationists adapt restoration strategies to future climate conditions.

CONCLUSION

In summary, AI is a powerful tool for wildlife conservation, aiding in

monitoring, protecting, and restoring ecosystems and species. It enables
data-driven decision-making and fosters collaboration, helping us better
safeguard biodiversity.
❖ References:
• https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/artificial-intelligence-and-conservation

• https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/21/five-ways-ai-is-
saving-wildlife-from-counting-chimps-to-locating-whales-aoe
• Reference book of Environmental Studies