Nature's Pulse: Pioneers in Measuring Biodiversity in Ecuador

So, how exactly do we achieve this groundbreaking approach to conservation?

Our approach is simple to use, scalable and yet very advanced, developed by leading scientists. We have already started implementing the technology and training the AI, proving that it functions in remote and harsh landscapes, and that park guards and local community members can use it. 

"Our primary focus is quantifying and monitoring protected areas, including our reserves   and other key landscapes. This approach lets us evaluate and refine conservation strategies, ensuring we contribute to the preservation of biodiversity on a broader scale," says Martin Schaefer, our CEO.

First, we use satellite mapping and ground-truthing in the field to assess regional deforestation. We can thereby evaluate which protected areas work to stop deforestation - our own reserves, national parks, communal and indigenous reserves. The resulting data allow us to engage with our neighbors to improve regional conservation strategies. 

Next, we deploy sound recorders in these regional landscapes to capture and analyze wildlife sounds, especially from birds and amphibians. We started testing the technology in 2021. Last year, we placed 90 sound recorders in the Amazon-Andean region, collaborating with national parks and the Kichwa and Kijos indigenous nations. This year, we've set up sound recorders at 225 crucial spots across Ecuador. In addition to sound recorders, we also place camera traps to monitor other species, like big mammals.  

We already have over half a million audio files, which add up to almost 20,000 hours of recordings. This amazing collection of wildlife sounds requires AI for effective analysis. Experts start by identifying species through their calls, and then we train AI models to recognize the unique calls of birds and frogs. This process allows us to transform tens of thousands of data points into valuable insights about the species we protect.

"We can monitor and measure biodiversity at a regional level and evaluate how effective different ways to protect nature really are.This allows us and our partners to combine our efforts and to improve their outcomes on a landscape level," Martin points out. "We thereby scale our impact protecting ecosystems across entire regions."

These same tools will help us to identify threats more rapidly. The audio recorders will pick up sounds like chainsaws and hunting rifles. AI models will flag sounds, send automated notifications, enabling us to quickly locate and stop any illegal activities. 

We want these tools to benefit communities around our reserves. In government and community protected areas, a lack of resources makes it hard to enforce protections. In some national parks and community reserves,  illegal logging and hunting take place unchecked. Our tools can solve these problems, enabling our partners to stop illegal logging and poaching as they happen.

Going forward, we must adapt the models to distinct regions. Ecuador is so diverse that we will need to develop distinct models for areas east and west of the Andes. The next step will be to extend the implementation of these technologies to priority regions within Ecuador, and beyond. 

"We've developed an AI package for the Chocó bioregion that has already identified 270 bird species. This tool will help us identify species along the Ecuadorian coast and in the Chocó region of Colombia and Panamá," explains David Parra, Director of Conservation at Jocotoco.

At a recent international conference, a group of indigenous leaders in Peru asked us to collaborate with them on protecting their own lands with this technology. We're making great strides towards a future where technology and conservation go hand in hand! With

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