Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming wildlife conservation by enabling faster, more accurate monitoring of endangered species, predicting threats, and optimizing anti-poaching efforts. With over 1 million species at risk of extinction, AI processes vast datasets—from camera traps and satellite imagery to audio recordings—far beyond human capabilities, allowing conservationists to focus on action rather than manual analysis. Tools like machine learning algorithms identify animals in photos, track migrations, and even forecast habitat loss due to climate change.

ApplicationDescriptionExamples of ImpactSpecies Identification & Population MonitoringAI analyzes images from camera traps or drones to detect and count rare animals, reducing manual review time from weeks to hours.Wildlife Insights (WWF and Google) processes millions of photos to monitor Australia’s greater glider post-bushfires, identifying species even from partial glimpses like a tail. Conservation AI has processed 12.5 million images across 68 species, including pangolins in Uganda and orangutans in Malaysia.Anti-Poaching & Threat DetectionAI-powered drones and sensors alert rangers to poachers via thermal imaging or audio cues like gunshots.Rainforest Connection uses AI to detect chainsaws in real-time, protecting rainforests in Africa. Rouxcel Technology’s RhinoWatches tracks rhinos in South Africa, preventing poaching over 1.2 million acres.Acoustic & Behavioral AnalysisAI scans audio for animal calls or predicts population trends from historical data.NOAA and Google’s PatternRadio identifies whale songs to track endangered whales. WildTrack’s AI analyzes footprints to monitor cheetahs, mimicking indigenous tracking at scale.Habitat & Climate PredictionAI forecasts environmental changes, like water level drops, to protect vulnerable ecosystems.In Brazil, AI detects 30% surface water loss, guiding interventions for affected species. SMART software optimizes ranger patrols in poaching hotspots.Individual TrackingAI matches unique patterns (e.g., spots or stripes) to follow specific animals.Wild Me’s MantaMatcher and Giraffe Spotter track whale sharks and giraffes, aiding decisions on habitat protection.

How Drones and Sensors Are Tracking Wildlife?

Drones and specialized sensors offer conservationists powerful, non-invasive ways to track wildlife, especially endangered species and those in remote areas. This technology gathers critical data on animal movements, population numbers, behavior, and habitat use, which helps inform conservation strategies. 
Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are highly effective for wildlife monitoring because they can cover large or difficult-to-access areas quickly and quietly. 

Drones (unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs) equipped with advanced sensors are revolutionizing wildlife tracking by accessing remote terrains safely and efficiently. Unlike traditional methods like ground surveys or manned flights—which risk crashes (responsible for 60% of biologist deaths from 1937–2000)—drones operate autonomously, collect real-time data, and integrate with AI for analysis. They cover vast areas with minimal disturbance, flying at safe altitudes to observe behaviors like nesting or migrations.

Visual cameras

Thermal cameras

Multispectral cameras

Drone-mounted radio receivers:

Real-time tracking: The drone-mounted system locates the tagged animals and displays their position on a live map, providing real-time data on their movements and locations to researchers.

Benefits of Drone for this purpose

• Non-invasive: Drones and remote sensors allow for monitoring from a distance, which minimizes stress and behavioral changes in wildlife caused by human presence.
• Improved safety and efficiency: Automated systems reduce the need for field teams to enter dangerous or hard-to-reach terrain, lowering costs and ensuring personnel safety.
• Enhanced data quality: High-resolution visual, thermal, and multispectral data provide more accurate and detailed insights compared to manual field observation.
• Real-time and automated monitoring: Instant data transmission allows conservationists to respond rapidly to poaching incidents or other emergencies. AI-enhanced analysis accelerates data processing, providing crucial insights faster. 

Real-World Examples of Drone Tracking

Anti-Poaching Patrols: In African reserves, drones with thermal sensors relay live feeds to rangers, detecting intruders miles away and reducing response times.

Population Surveys: WWF uses drones to map whale behaviors in the Arctic, combining Inuit knowledge with aerial data for protected shipping lanes.

Behavioral Studies: Drones manipulate animal movements ethically (e.g., simulating predators) to study responses, aiding conflict resolution like feral goat control on the Isle of Man.

Global Scale: JOUAV drones with dual gimbals (visible + thermal) autonomously survey routes, transmitting data for AI analysis of zebra herds or deer impacts in the UK’s Broads National Park.

Challenges include battery life, regulations (e.g., FAA rules for commercial use), and ethical drone noise affecting sensitive species. Yet, with AI integration, drones enable predictive modeling—e.g., forecasting zebra movements via reinforcement learning—scaling conservation from local rescues to planetary biodiversity protection.

Overall, AI and drone tech are not replacements for human expertise but powerful amplifiers, buying critical time for endangered species amid accelerating threats like climate change and habitat loss. Initiatives like EarthRanger and Conservation X Labs are expanding access, merging these tools for global impact.