The Toyama Prefecture of Japan is launching an artificial intelligence (AI) bear monitoring system following increasing encounters with wildlife. This pilot program aims to detect areas where bears are approaching human habitats by monitoring live feeds from various security cameras.
Artificial intelligence detects bears
Artificial intelligence categorizes moving objects as bears or other objects. These cameras are used by both public utility companies and existing government surveillance and disaster management efforts. If successful, other states may adopt this system by using government, private, and commercial cameras.
Similar pilot studies are already underway with 30 cameras installed along the rivers between the mountains and the city of Hanamaki in the Iwate Prefecture. In these areas where Ussuri brown bears are frequently seen, when a bear is detected, the monitoring center is notified, and this information is later distributed to the local community.
The increasing problem of encounters between humans and Asian black bears or Ussuri brown bears is becoming a growing problem in Japan. This situation may be due to potential food shortages for animals. Japan’s declining and aging population also contributes to bears not being scared away.
The government began formulating a bear prevention plan in February, but the use of artificial intelligence to deter bears dates back further. In 2022, a bear invasion control system was installed in a national park on the western side of Nagaoka city.
This cloud-based monitoring system includes an artificial intelligence analysis function that sends images to appropriate personnel via email and sensor cameras. Artificial intelligence can accurately detect bears in 86% of color photos and 44% of black and white ones.
Unfortunately, the system often misidentifies raccoons, dogs, and badgers as bears. Nevertheless, the use of artificial intelligence reduces labor costs by 20%. It is hoped that recent improvements in artificial intelligence will make the technology more reliable or at least smarter than an average bear.
What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of using artificial intelligence in wildlife management? You can share your thoughts on this technological advancement in the comments section below.
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