George Mason University - College of Science’s Post

AI Unveils the Complexity of African Elephant Communication 🐘🔊 In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, researchers have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to shed light on the intricate communication patterns of African elephants. By analyzing 470 elephant calls recorded over four years in Kenya, the team discovered that these magnificent creatures use distinct components within their calls that function as name-like identifiers for individual members of their herd. The implications of this finding are profound, suggesting that African elephants possess complex communication abilities akin to human naming conventions. It highlights their advanced cognitive capabilities and underscores the importance of preserving these intelligent species and their habitats. This research not only expands our understanding of animal communication but also demonstrates the transformative potential of AI in the field of ecology and conservation. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, scientists can now delve deeper into the nuances of animal behavior and uncover fascinating insights that were previously hidden. As AI continues to advance, it opens up new avenues for studying and protecting wildlife. From automated monitoring systems to predictive modeling, AI-driven solutions can help us make informed decisions about conservation efforts and develop more effective strategies to safeguard endangered species like African elephants. This study is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts in AI, ecology, and animal behavior. It showcases how technology can be harnessed to drive scientific breakthroughs and deepen our appreciation for the natural world. I invite my fellow professionals in the AI and conservation communities to share their thoughts on this exciting development. How can we further leverage AI to study and protect wildlife? What other animal communication mysteries might be unraveled through the application of machine learning? Let's continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI and work together to create a future where technology and nature thrive in harmony. 🌍💡 #AIforConservation #ElephantCommunication #MachineLearning #Ecology #Collaboration

A trio of novel survival modeling advancements over the past year – new tools available A major obstacle to sustainable ecosystem management is the high cost and difficulty of observing organisms at large in their environments. This is particularly challenging for birds, mammals, and fish that move widely. To address this gap, we are advancing data science tools to harness tagging data to support fish and wildlife population assessments. With collaborators spanning universities and government agencies from the US, Canada, Norway, Portugal, and Spain, we have developed a suite of new modeling approaches to estimate the survival of tagged animals across space and over time. Our work, which includes papers led by PhD students Alex Koeberle and Anna Poulton, has been published in a trio of articles over the past year in Scientific Reports and Methods in Ecology & Evolution: -In Koeberle et al. (2023), we demonstrate how miniaturized tagging technology can be used to estimate the survival of small juvenile fish. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-46330-6 ; https://lnkd.in/endcex8G -In Sethi et al. (2024), we break down survival over time into sequential stages that can reflect complex injury and recovery dynamics of fish and wildlife. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-64653-w ; https://lnkd.in/e-Bg3Sk4 -In Poulton et al. (2024), we develop spatial models that can characterize mortality risks for fish and wildlife across landscapes and seascapes (Figure below). doi: 10.1111/2041-210X.14428 ; https://lnkd.in/eHzHTpPu While our approaches focus on animal populations, these contributions encompass general advancements in survival modeling that can support a wide range of applications including uses in medical science, economics, and engineering. #Fisheries #Wildlife # Statistics #Sustainability Brooklyn College The City University of New York Cornell University

Orcas are iconic and beloved. Why do we know so little about them? https://lnkd.in/gqvh3mpg Scientists have classified orcas as “data deficient” on conservation lists. These are the questions that keep them up at night. Orcas, also known as killer whales, have captivated humans for thousands of years. Their striking appearance and playful intelligence has inspired myths, blockbuster films, memes, and a host of research from marine biologists. Yet despite the widespread fascination with orcas, they remain one of the most poorly understood animals in the ocean. Scientists estimate that about 50,000 killer whales roam the global seas, but it’s not at all clear where they all live, which populations are threatened by human activities, or what drives their complicated behaviors—including their occasional attacks on boats. We’re not even sure whether there’s really just one species of orca. “They're probably the most widely distributed mammal on the planet, outside of humans,” says Phillip Morin, a population genetics and genomics researcher at NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center's Marine Mammal Genetics Program. “That means we don't have information on the distribution, abundance, or connectivity between types of killer whales, especially in places away from the U.S. or Northern Europe.” As a result of these knowledge gaps, orcas are among the more than 20,000 species that are labeled "data deficient" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, meaning that there is not enough information to assess their conservation status or needs. How big of a threat do humans pose to orcas? It’s clear that humans have already had a negative impact on some orca populations, especially southern resident killer whales. This population, consisting of about 75 orcas in the North Pacific, has precipitously declined due to human-related habitat and prey loss, as well as vessel strikes. Scientists have coined the term “bright extinction” to describe the crisis—meaning that this is a disaster that is unfolding in plain sight and with plenty of data. What’s behind some of the more surprising orca behaviors? Some scientists have speculated that the apparent rise in attacks on boats by orcas, especially off the Iberian Coast, is an expression of growing tensions between humans and killer whales. This hypothesis has been embraced online with memes about an “Orca Uprising” unfolding beneath the ocean waves. “Here we are in the middle of the sixth big extinction, a massive biodiversity crisis, and yet we don't know how many species of whales there are,” Taylor says. “That's just such an amazing thing. I think most people think we're much further along in learning about how life works on planet Earth than we actually are.”

🪺Did you know that unborn baby birds learn their mother’s song while in ovo (inside eggs)? A recent article in the The New Yorker takes a closer look at how scientists are decoding the songs of birds. Some fascinating developments: 🔎Scientists already have the language of Siberian jays partially translated. One type of screech indicates a sitting hawk, another indicates a flying hawk and anther an attacking hawk. Each of these screeches results in different response from Siberian jays – grouping together, hiding or fleeing. 🔎The language of birds can be nuanced too. For example, chickadees say “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” when they see an owl and add extra “dees” at the end in relation to how dangerous a predator is perceived to be. What’s more, the “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call is understood by nuthatches, who may join in to mob a predator. 🔎We currently have growing databases of bird call sounds, many of which are submitted by citizen scientists. Merlin SoundID at Cornell is a database that can accurately identify 1400 species. The lab hopes that this can grow to identify 8,000 species out of about 11,000 known species. As our understanding of animal sentience evolves, our laws should too, to enable us to protect the incredible species we share this planet with. (The article is available to New Yorker subscribers, but I think you can create an account to access a limited number of free articles a month!) Tarquin Moon, Allan Briggs, Jo Bangles, Dr Eric Woehler OAM #birdsong #animalsentience #biodiversity

Have you ever imagined chatting with extinct creatures like the dodo? At the University of Cambridge's Museum of Zoology, that dream is becoming a reality! Starting this month, visitors can engage in two-way conversations with animal specimens using generative AI. It’s an initiative designed to enhance our connection with the natural world and encourage biodiversity awareness. As someone who loves both tech and wildlife, I find this blend fascinating. Remember visiting museums as a kid and wishing exhibits could speak? Now, with just a QR code scan on your smartphone, you can ask your burning questions and get answers straight from the animal's simulated perspective 🌍. Curious about your favorite specimen? Would chatting with a cockroach change your perception of it? Studies show that giving a voice to these creatures might foster empathy and interest in often-overlooked species. As a call to action: let's support initiatives that deepen our understanding of biodiversity! #AIConversations #MuseumEngagement #Biodiversity #NaturalHistory #Innovation #Education

Machine learning and careful observation suggest that some of the animals’ calls are specific to individuals, similar to a person’s name. Elephants exhibit a fascinating behavior of using proper names to address each other, a trait typically associated with humans. Scientists studying wild African savannah elephants in Kenya discovered through machine learning analysis that their deep rumbles are specific to individuals. In a unique experiment, researchers played recorded calls to the elephants in the field and observed their responses, noting their ability to distinguish if a call was meant for them. This research sheds light on the intricate communication systems of these remarkable animals. https://lnkd.in/d3Sshdck #Elephants #AnimalCommunication #ResearchDiscovery

AI can now be our eyes and ears in the forest and beneath the waves – University of Copenhagen (Københavns Universitet): Biodiversity - Animal sounds combined with artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize biodiversity monitoring both on land and in aquatic settings according to researchers from the University of Copenhagen. By analyzing wildlife sounds, AI can now identify species more accurately and efficiently than ever before and provide unique insights into the behaviours and habitats of animals without disturbing them. https://lnkd.in/gtHpg_z4

News: Solar eclipses affect the animal world ☀ On rare occasions, when celestial alignments are just right, the Moon obscures the Sun, casting darkness across the sky during a total solar eclipse. While these cosmic events captivate humans, their impact on animals remains less understood. Circadian Rhythms and Disruption: Animals rely on a 24-hour biological clock called circadian rhythms to regulate daily behaviors like sleep, foraging, and hunting. Total solar eclipses disrupt these ingrained routines, plunging animals into unexpected darkness during daytime. Unexplored Effects: The way animals react to eclipses is relatively unexplored due to their rarity (occurring roughly once every 400 years in a given location). Not all animals respond the same way; their behaviors during an eclipse can vary significantly. The Role of Light: Light serves as a critical cue for both plants and animals. Biologists cannot turn off the Sun, but nature occasionally does it for them during eclipses. Expert Insight:Cecilia Nilsson, a behavioral ecologist at Lund University in Sweden, emphasizes the significance of light cues and the unique opportunity eclipses provide for studying animal responses. Observing the Last Eclipse: The recent total solar eclipse visible from the United States (until 2044) has drawn attention not only from humans but also from those curious about how animals adapt to this extraordinary event.

Title: "Unleashing the Power of Data Science in Zoology: A Match Made in Heaven" The intersection of zoology and data science is revolutionizing our understanding of animal biology and conservation. Let's explore the exciting possibilities! _Tracking Animal Migration Patterns_ Data science analyzes GPS tracking data, camera trap images, and sensor data to understand animal migration patterns, habitat use, and population dynamics. The Wildlife Conservation Society uses data analytics to track elephant movements and identify poaching hotspots. #WildlifeConservation #DataAnalytics _Species Identification and Classification_ Machine learning algorithms identify species, classify new discoveries, and detect cryptic species. The iNaturalist app uses AI-powered species identification to help citizen scientists classify their observations. #CitizenScience #SpeciesIdentification _Ecological Modeling and Prediction_ Data science techniques like regression analysis and simulation modeling predict population dynamics and forecast the impact of climate change. The University of Wisconsin's Climate Change and Wildlife Research Group uses data modeling to predict how changing temperatures will affect bird migration patterns. #ClimateChange #EcologicalModeling _Conservation Genomics_ Data science is applied to genomic data to understand evolutionary relationships, identify genetic diversity hotspots, and develop conservation strategies. The Genome 10K project aims to sequence the genomes of 10,000 vertebrate species to inform conservation efforts. #ConservationGenomics #Genome10K By combining zoology and data science, we can: - Advance our understanding of animal biology and ecology - Develop effective conservation strategies - Engage the public in scientific research and conservation efforts Share your thoughts and examples in the comments below! #Zoology #DataScience #WildlifeConservation #Ecology #MachineLearning #CitizenScience #ConservationGenomics #ScienceMatters #DataMatters

Ancient DNA and bones reveal species on the move as a result of climate changes thousands of years ago. By analyzing DNA and studying old animal bones, researchers have been able to reconstruct the animal diversity from a cave in Nordland, Norway. "We have found several animal species that have surprised us. Among other things, we found the bones of animals that we see moving northwards again nowadays due to a warmer climate," She emphasizes that what happened to the climate after the last ice age cannot be used to take away the seriousness of what is happening as a result of current anthropogenic climate change. "But this knowledge can help us to better analyze how climate change will affect animal diversity in the future," "We know that there was a warmer climate before, but we don't know much about what kind of animals lived here at that time. Now we have new knowledge about how wildlife changed when it got warmer, after the end of the last ice age," A unique cave In a new article published in Science Advances, Boessenkool, Boilard and several other colleagues present results from excavations of a unique cave in Nordland in Narvik municipality. It is unusual to find such extensive deposits from this time period in caves. And it is even more unusual that so many bone remains have been preserved in the cave's sediments. "There are really few such sites where we have found bones and bone remains of animal communities that have been completely free of previous human impact or modern disturbance," The cave was discovered when part of the hillside was removed to build a road to the Norcem industrial site. "We have combined knowledge from osteology with DNA analyses of the bones. This has enabled us to reconstruct how animal diversity changed after the last ice age," says Boessenkool, who is an expert in ancient DNA and changes in biodiversity. She has collaborated widely with researchers from other disciplines to take a deep dive into the remains of what they could find in Nygrotta, which is part of the large cave system Storsteinshola in Kjøpsvik. Osteology is the study of bone tissue, bones and skeletons, and osteologists have helped to identify the species of the remains found in the cave "But more than 90%, i.e., more than 2,000 bone fragments, could not be identified in this way. Many of the bones were too broken or damaged," says Samuel James Walker postdoctoral researcher at IBV and one of the osteologists involved in the project. "The small bones and remains that we could not identify through osteology have been identified through a technique called DNA barcoding," This is a technique where researchers can gain insight into and analyze DNA from the bone fragments to determine which family genus or species it belongs. By combining osteology and DNA analyses the researchers were able to identify as many as 40 different animals that lived in the vicinity of Nygrotta 5,000 to 13,000 years ago. #dna #ancient #climate #fragments