Ep. 14: AI Takes Wing – Deep Learning Hears Once Extinct Bird
Mar 20, 2017
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Matthew McKown, CEO of Conservation Metrics, discusses using deep learning to rediscover once-extinct birds and how GPU-powered AI aids biologists in data analysis. Topics include advancements in acoustic analysis for bird conservation, innovative use of sensors, and the application of deep learning in bird species identification. The podcast showcases the collaboration between AI technology and wildlife experts in monitoring and protecting diverse species.
Deep learning techniques rediscovered a once extinct bird using AI in bird conservation.
Acoustic sensors and deep learning algorithms improve bird monitoring accuracy and efficiency for conservation efforts.
Deep dives
Application of AI in Bird Conservation
AI systems excel at identifying and interpreting sounds, not just limited to human speech but extending to other animal noises like bird calls. Conservation Metrics, led by Matthew McCown and David Klein, applies AI in finding, counting, and conserving birds, especially petrels. By leveraging acoustic activity to estimate density, they monitor and mitigate threats such as introduced mammalian predators, aiding in conservation efforts.
Transition to Advanced Acoustic Monitoring Techniques
With traditional methods like manual bird counting proving labor-intensive and invasive, Conservation Metrics shifted to acoustic sensors for efficient monitoring. David Klein's deep learning approach improved data processing significantly, surpassing previous techniques like spectrogram cross-correlation. From deploying sensors on islands to robust data analysis, the advancement streamlined monitoring efforts and enhanced accuracy.
Impact of Deep Learning on Conservation Outcomes
Deep neural nets trained for species recognition revolutionized bird monitoring, ensuring enhanced sensitivity and accuracy in detecting bird calls amidst environmental noise. The substantial data processing capability enabled Conservation Metrics to scale up projects, monitoring rare events like bird collisions and providing data-driven insights for conservation decisions. By reducing monitoring costs and boosting data quality, the team aims to optimize conservation efforts and enhance ecosystem management.
We speak with Matthew McKown, CEO of Conservation Metrics, about how deep learning techniques helped rediscover a bird that was once thought extinct, and how GPU-powered AI now helps biologists crunch vast quantities of data to spot trends that would have been impossible to detect before.
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