Biodiversity, sometimes invisible and elusive, is becoming more accessible thanks to an innovation from Westlake University and INRAE (the National Institute of Agronomic Research). Their on-board camera is the result of 3 years of research. It captures images continuously and analyzes them in real time using artificial intelligence. This lightweight, autonomous device, tested in various environments in China, revealed previously unknown behaviors, such as the nocturnal pollination of durian flowers by flying foxes, a large species of bat. Kevin Darras, INRAE researcher, specifies: “this camera allows us to observe species that escaped traditional methods. »
An on-board camera for science and ecology
Unlike classic “photo traps”, which often only capture large animals, this camera also detects small insects and adapts to nocturnal conditions. She was thus able to detect bees pollinating rapeseed flowers or mandarin ducks on a lake. By triggering at the slightest movement in its field of view, it better meets the challenges of automated ecosystem monitoring, allowing scientists to monitor ecosystem interactions, measure the impacts of climate change and document species in the most remote areas .
An accessible and economical camera
Designed to operate without a power grid or internet connection, this camera can be deployed on all terrains. Additionally, design plans are openly available and parts can be 3D printed, allowing other researchers to build their own device at a lower cost. Accessible to researchers in less developed countries, this innovation contributes to the preservation of global biodiversity. Furthermore, a commercial version, simpler and more affordable, is being developed so that this device becomes a central tool for ecological research.
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