AI technology steps in to save red squirrels in their eternal battle

Conservationists have turned to artificial intelligence (AI) in a bid to save red squirrels in their long-standing battle against their grey rivals. 

While scrambling grey squirrels are a common sight in parks and forests across the UK, red squirrel sightings have continued to plummet with the species' population. 

For a chance to see the rarer creature you would have to venture to parts of northern England, Scotland or even Anglesey. 

The rapid decline in red squirrels has come due to their grey peers out-competing them for food and space, according to the Department of Agriculture, Enviornment and Rural Affairs. 

Another key factor is that the grey squirrel carries a disease called the Squirrel Pox Virus, a condition they are immune to but proves fatal to their smaller peers.

But conservationists now believe an AI system Squirrel Agent, which has been dubbed a  'game changer' can help red squirrels, which are classed as Near Threatened by the Woodland Trust.

Ian Gledinning from Northern Red Squirrels confessed to the BBC that the technology was desperately needed to help save the animals in their eternal battle against the greys. 

'We are in the bar of the last chance saloon, and the landlord has just called last orders,' he told the publication. 

The technology has been developed by using thousands of images of two types of squirrels. 

The AI identifies the red squirrels by their tails, ears, and weight, even though they are sometimes the same colour as their grey peers. 

Therefore it increases the red squirrels chances of survival by allowing them extra food and depriving the dominant grey squirrel. 

Read More

Squirrelpox claims its first victim in the Scottish Highlands: Heartbreaking image shows a red squirrel with tell-tale ulcers around eyes and mouth

The technology is quicker then human observers as well as having a nearly 100 per cent level of accuracy, according to developer Geneysis Engine.  

As a result, it can be used to stop greys from taking the food from red squirrel feeders, only permitting them into ones with contraceptive paste.

Co-founder of Geneysis Engine has said the tech is a 'real showcase' of the abilities of AI. 

'It's working in real time to do a task that we don't have enough [human] volunteers to do,' she said.

Squirrel Agent is currently being trialled in different locations across the UK in collaboration with five wildlife charities.

The developer has big hopes for the future, with aims to use the technology with several other species it could potentially help. 

Genysys Engine also has plans to develop the technology further so that it can identify individual squirrels by their whiskers, which Ms McClenaghan explained are 'like human fingerprints' 

By doing so they hope they use AI to keep up with specific members of the red squirrel population and their progress.