AI supports red squirrel conservation

Leading this conservation effort is Squirrel Agent, an advanced AI tool powered by the Genysys Engine. This tool distinguishes between red and grey squirrels, manages their feeders, and provides data for population monitoring with a high rate of accuracy.

Tackling squirrel decline with AI

Grey squirrels were introduced to the UK 200 years ago and since then they have seen the population of red squirrels decline as they outcompete them for food and habitat, not only this, they also carry a virus called squirrel pox, of which grey squirrels are immune but it is lethal to red squirrels. Traditional conservation efforts like manual population monitoring and feeder management, are resource-intensive and rely on volunteers, something Emma McClenaghan, Co-Founder of Genysys Engine says they don’t have enough of, and so they are often unable to keep pace with the rapid spread of grey squirrels.

Squirrel Agent, which is trained on thousands of images, automates many of the processes involved in red squirrel conservation as it can identify red from grey squirrels with a 97% accuracy rate. This data is then used to control access to feeders, ensuring that red squirrels receive food while directing greys towards feeders containing contraceptive paste. This dual approach enhances red squirrel survival while managing the grey squirrel population.

Technology behind the squirrel agent

The Squirrel Agent is powered by the Genysys Engine, an adaptable and scalable AI platform designed to function within a connected network. The Engine allows its various agents – such as the Squirrel Agent, 3D Printing Agent, Transport Agent, and Botanical Agent – to share functionality and context, continuously improving over time.

The scalability of the system means it can be expanded to monitor other species or adapted for broader wildlife management applications.

According to McClenaghan, future updates to the Squirrel Agent are to include recognising individual squirrels – as opposed to simply determining red from grey – by their whiskers which are unique to each squirrel, akin to human fingerprints are all different, a feature that could provide conservationists with detailed lineage and population data.

Signs of success

Currently tested across the UK through Project Red Haven, Squirrel Agent is proving a valuable tool for conservation groups. By saving volunteer time and offering data-driven insights, it allows organisations to focus their efforts on broader ecosystem management. Wildlife charities are already seeing the benefits of integrating AI into their conservation strategies, and its application is expected to grow beyond squirrels.

As Genysys Engine continues to evolve, it aims to extend the AI's capabilities to other species, offering conservationists a versatile and cost-effective tool for managing ecosystems under threat.