TED: How your nature photos can help protect wild animals | Tanya Berger-Wolf

The video discusses the biodiversity crisis, highlighting the extinction of species like the northern white rhino. It explains the challenges in tracking animal populations and introduces Wildbook, a platform using AI to analyze wildlife images. The platform helps identify and track individual animals, aiding conservation efforts. Social media and citizen science are leveraged for data collection, exemplified by the Grevy's zebra census in Kenya. The video concludes by emphasizing AI's role in conservation and encourages public participation.

What major challenge is highlighted in the biodiversity crisis?

• Data deficiency and unknown population trends

• Lack of interest in conservation

• Excessive funding for wildlife tracking

• Overpopulation of certain species

Why are traditional methods of tracking wildlife considered insufficient?

• They are only applicable to marine animals

• They provide too much data

• They require capturing and tagging animals, which can be harmful

• They are too expensive

What is the primary function of the Wildbook platform?

• To train scientists in fieldwork

• To fund conservation projects

• To use AI to identify and track individual animals through images

• To create documentaries about wildlife

How does Wildbook identify individual animals?

• By analyzing unique markings like stripes and spots

• By monitoring their habitats

• By tracking their vocal sounds

• By using GPS collars

What role does Wildbook play in conservation policy?

• It trains conservationists

• It funds wildlife sanctuaries

• It replaces government conservation agencies

• It provides data for species census and policy-making

How can the public contribute to the Wildbook project?

• By writing articles about endangered species

• By attending conservation workshops

• By taking and sharing images of wildlife

• By donating money

What significant change did Wildbook data bring to the IUCN Red List for whale sharks?

• Removed them from the Red List

• Increased their population count

• Changed their status from vulnerable to endangered

• Changed their status from endangered to extinct