Adetutu Sobowale
A Nigerian scholar, Adebola Adeniji, has proffered solutions to the biodiversity crisis by ensuring endangered wildlife gets suitable habitats.
Adeniji, who is a PhD student in the Ecological Science and Engineering interdisciplinary program at Purdue University, said the research was her contribution to the global effort to combat the escalating biodiversity crisis.
The scholar, in a statement on Monday, explained that she used machine learning and artificial intelligence to model suitable habitats for endangered species.
“The biodiversity crisis, driven by habitat loss and degradation, climate change, over-exploitation of species, and pollution, poses one of the greatest challenges of our time. Many species are being driven to the brink of extinction, threatening the natural world and human survival,” Adeniji said.
According to her, the research focuses on using passive acoustic monitoring to record sounds of vocalizing biodiversity in different ecosystems.
“I employed a convolutional neural network, a cutting-edge artificial intelligence technique, to detect species from their vocalizations. This innovative approach enables the accurate identification of species and their habitats, crucial information for conservation efforts,” the scholar added.
Adeniji explained further that her application of machine learning modelling to predict suitable habitats for endangered wildlife, with a focus on birds and mammals, is instrumental in protecting and preserving these species.
“My pioneering work on modelling the suitable habitat for the white-bellied pangolin in Nigeria fills a critical research gap and contributes to the protection of this endangered species. The research also uncovers factors that influence the occurrence of endangered species, which will be used to predict their potential habitat.
“This study is essential for conservation efforts, helping to prioritize and protect critical areas for the species’ survival,” the scholar said.
Giving further insights, Adeniji said she leveraged Geographic Information System software such as ArcGIS to analyze the environmental variables that would be used in the model.
“The research will play a crucial role in the conservation and restoration of habitats for endangered species, contributing to their preservation and preventing their extinction. As the world grapples with the challenges of biodiversity loss, the work demonstrates the power of innovation and technology in protecting the natural world,” she added.
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