Conservation tools: the next generation of engineering–biology collaborations

Abstract

The recent increase in public and academic interest in preserving biodiversity has led to the growth of the field of conservation technology. This field involves designing and constructing tools that use technology to aid in the conservation of wildlife. In this review, we present five case studies and infer a framework for designing conservation tools (CT) based on human–wildlife interaction. Successful CT range in complexity from cat collars to machine learning and game theory methodologies and do not require technological expertise to contribute to conservation tool creation. Our goal is to introduce researchers to the field of conservation technology and provide references for guiding the next generation of conservation technologists. Conservation technology not only has the potential to benefit biodiversity but also has broader impacts on fields such as sustainability and environmental protection. By using innovative technologies to address conservation challenges, we can find more effective and efficient solutions to protect and preserve our planet’s resources.

Bioinspired robots can foster nature conservation

“…Tight collaborations between engineers, biologists, and conservationists is critical to develop bioinspired robots that function like animals and can gather relevant data that is required for the conservation task. Through such collaborations, roboticists/engineers can build bioinspired robots meeting the specific needs of conservation biologists, and in turn conservation biologists can provide valuable expertise on the behaviors, habitats, and ecosystems that the robots will be interacting with ( Berger-Tal and Lahoz-Monfort, 2018 ; Schulz et al, 2023 ). Furthermore, wherever possible, involving the local communities during the development, maintenance, and troubleshooting process of the bioinspired robot will ensure that conservation efforts are sustainable and effective in the long-term without assistance from researchers.…”

Ethorobotic rats for rodent behavioral research: design considerations

“…Furthermore, the insights gained in robot-rat interaction may also find application in conservation breeding programs, particularly for endangered species, with robotic predators allowing appropriate fear-conditioning of individuals before release into the wild. Indeed, technological conservation tools have recently been defined as "the next generation of engineering-biology collaborations" (Schulz et al, 2023).…”

A Year at the Forefront of Hydrostat Motion

“…We are seeing a rapid decline of our bio-diversity, and new ideas and techniques in fields such as conservation physiology can be used not only to study these species but also to gain valuable insight into how we can conserve those in decline ( Jacobson et al, 2022 ; Plotnik and Jacobson, 2022 ; Tuia et al, 2022 ). Using new technology such as DeepLabCut has insights into the field of biomechanical understanding, as well as generating new types of conservation implications ( Schulz et al, 2023a preprint) and by functioning jointly with zoological and aquarium organizations, interdisciplinary collaborations can open pathways for more informed research on hydrostat systems ( Schulz et al, 2022c ).…”