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Spying on Beavers From Space Could Help Save California
Jan 9, 2024
Scientists use satellite imaging and machine learning to detect beaver ponds, which could aid in water storage and drought recovery in California.
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Quick takeaways
- A machine learning algorithm called Eager can detect beaver dams and ponds on satellite imagery, aiding in the understanding and restoration of beaver populations in drought-ridden areas like California.
- The algorithm, Eager, can be utilized to estimate beaver numbers, monitor population trends, assess ecosystem services, and identify suitable areas for reintroducing beavers, facilitating conservation efforts.
Deep dives
Beavers as Ecological Saviors in California
Beavers can store water, filter pollutants, provide habitat, and fight wildfires. Despite their benefits, there is limited knowledge of their population and distribution. A team of beaver scientists and Google engineers developed an algorithm to detect beaver infrastructure on satellite images. This mapping tool has the potential to improve our understanding of beavers and aid their restoration in states like California.
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