The potential for AI to revolutionise conservation: a horizon scan

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging tool that could be leveraged to identify the effective conservation solutions demanded by the urgent biodiversity crisis. We present the results of our horizon scan of AI applications likely to significantly benefit biological conservation. An international panel of conservation scientists and AI experts identified 21 key ideas. These included species recognition to uncover ‘dark diversity’, multi-modal models to improve biodiversity loss predictions, monitoring wildlife trade, and addressing human-wildlife conflict. We consider potential negative impacts of AI adoption, such as AI colonialism and the loss of essential conservation skills, and suggest how the conservation field might adapt to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks.