Ten years ago, we couldn't have imagined how tools like machine learning, eDNA, and satellites would advance and transform conservation work. Now technology is advancing faster than ever, and as tools become smaller, lighter, and more affordable, it's vital to have a space where community members can discuss the next big thing, share ideas, compare tool options, and tell the story of their experiences - positive, negative, and anything in between - while using new technologies.
In 2021, the WILDLABS State of Conservation Tech report detailed what tools show the most promise according to community members, as well as what tools are currently seen as the most effective. And as new tools enter the field, we're excited to see how this data will change over time, and how this group grows over time as well.
Our State of Conservation Tech research also discusses something called the "Hype Cycle" - the pattern that occurs when a new technology bursts onto the scene, promises to be an exciting solution, encounters challenges as new users adopt the tool and put it into practice beyond just theory, and eventually settles into its most effective state as users acquire the right skills to use it to its actual potential. Machine learning, one of the most promising technologies, is currently in the middle of its own hype cycle, and we see community members working through their own hurdles to incorporate ML into their work effectively. Despite what you may think, this Hype Cycle can also be positive for tech development, as it means that users have big ideas for new tools, and with the right resources and skills, they can work toward bringing those ideas to life. And as our community members experiences the Hype Cycle for various tools at their own paces, we hope this group will also serve as a place to discuss that process and overcome hurdles together.
Ready to discover new possibilities? Join our Emerging Tech group now and get to know your forward-thinking conservation tech peers!
Header photo: Internet of Elephants
PhD student with research focused on using on-site DNA sequencing for rapid species identification. Interested in wildlife forensics, and conservation genomics.
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 4 Groups
- 1 Resources
- 5 Discussions
- 4 Groups
I am a forensic geneticist with a long term interest in developing and applying DNA markers to combat wildlife crime. Currently developing and validating STRs for raptors and rapid on-site species ID using the ONT MinION portable sequencer.
- 2 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 5 Groups
- @garthpaine
- | He/Him
Arizona State University
Garth Paine (https://www.activatedspace.com/ ) is acoustic ecologist, composer, sound artist, and academic (ASU) based in USA/Australia. He is known for his pioneering work on species density metrics from ambient recordings and his anti-poaching efforts
- 1 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 5 Groups
Cave biologist and conservationist
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 4 Groups
- @Gody
- | He
Godfrey Nyangaresi, a dedicated Protection Manager with 12+ years of wildlife conservation experience. Skilled in technologies, administration, and law enforcement, he leads protection efforts at STEP, ensuring the sustainable conservation of elephants in southern Tanzania.
- 0 Resources
- 3 Discussions
- 17 Groups
Director of Spatial Planning and Innovation Nature Conservancy of Canada
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 12 Groups
Firmware/Electronics Engineer with 10+ years of experience building telemetry devices for wildlife conservation. I'm an avid birdwatcher and enjoy wildlife photography. CTO and Senior Engineer at Cellular Tracking Technologies.
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 7 Groups
- @GalZanir
- | he, him
Luc Hoffman Institute
Wildlife Entrepreneur | Innovation for Nature Conservation | Systems-thinking | Web3.0 | Artificial Intelligence | Agency for nature | DAOs | Rewilding & more
- 1 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 8 Groups
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 15 Groups
- @RHugtenburg
- | He/They
Student at Aberystwyth University. Bug Fanatic🪲. Worked at Octophin Digital for my industrial year placement 🐙.
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 20 Groups
- @CynthiaGw
- | Her/she
Hi, Cynthia Gichimu here. I'm a conservationist, and a champion for youths. I believe in environmental sustainability for posterity. I volunteer as a Project Officer with the Friends of Kinangop Plateau, a community-based local action group committed to biodiversity conservation.
- 1 Resources
- 3 Discussions
- 6 Groups
Article
Nature Tech for Biodiversity Sector Map launched!
Carly Batist and 1 more
Conservation International is proud to announce the launch of the Nature Tech for Biodiversity Sector Map, developed in partnership with the Nature Tech Collective!
1 April 2025
Article
The FLIR ONE thermal camera is a compact and portable thermal imaging device capable of detecting heat signatures in diverse environments. This report explores its application in locating wild animals across large areas...
27 March 2025
Careers
Customer Support and Marketing Specialist
Thomas Gray
We are hiring for a customer support / marketing specialist.
20 February 2025
Funding
Osa Conservation is launching our inaugural cohort of the ‘Susan Wojcicki Research Fellowship’ for 2025, worth up to $15,000 per awardee (award value dependent on project length and number of awards given each year)....
10 February 2025
Link
Light in the dark: How AI and FLIR cameras are saving black rhinos in Kenya
Elsa Carla De Grandi
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the first rhino sanctuaries in Kenya where Artificial-Intelligence enabled Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera systems were installed to help curb the escalating poaching of black...
8 February 2025
Careers
Are you interested in developing new 3D motion capture techniques to for measuring super fast wildlife like cheetahs? Are you interested in working with fusing exciting technologies such as event cameras, audio and...
3 February 2025
Careers
Software Developer - Key Conservation
Megan Cromp
Key Conservation is seeking an experienced Software Developer to join our team.
28 January 2025
Article
What Are Innovative Technologies, and Why Should Conservationists Care?
Louisa Richmond-Coggan
Conservationists use tools like drones, satellites, and camera traps to monitor ecosystems and scale their impact. But new challenges like transparency, funding gaps, and engagement remain. Web 3.0 technologies offer...
28 January 2025
Link
Professor Ed Mitchard, to discuss the role of remote sensing in forest conservation to monitor land-use change, estimate a forest carbon stock, detect forest fires, and report upon other key forest indicators.
1 November 2024
Link
Podcast: The State of Nature Tech with Gilad Goren
Anish Banerjee
In this episode join Gilad Goren, as we discuss the state of nature tech around the world ranging from nature fintech to artificial intelligence and remote sensing. We also discuss the role of NatureTech in...
1 November 2024
Careers
MS and PhD Opportunities in Ocean Engineering and Oceanography
Camille Pagniello
The Marine Innovation Lab for Leading-edge Oceanography develops hardware and software to expand the ocean observing network and for the sustainable management of natural resources. For Fall 2025, we are actively...
6 October 2024
June 2025
event
Nalini
event
Joel Masselink
July 2025
December 2023
| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thank you for the help! |
|
Animal Movement, Emerging Tech | 1 year 3 months ago | |
| Hi Danilo. you seem very passionate about this initiative which is a good start.It is an interesting coincidence that I am starting another project for the coral reefs in the... |
|
Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Animal Movement, Camera Traps, Citizen Science, Climate Change, Community Base, Connectivity, Drones, Emerging Tech, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Open Source Solutions, Sensors, Software Development, Wildlife Crime, Funding and Finance | 1 year 3 months ago | |
| Hi!I would take a look at Although developed for camera trap imagery, it is by no means restricted to such.Cheers,Lars |
|
Camera Traps, Community Base, Data management and processing tools, Drones, Emerging Tech, Geospatial, Software Development | 1 year 3 months ago | |
| Hi folks! Happy 2024 and thanks in advance for your patience in case I over-used tags. If you’re using any form of natural language... |
|
AI for Conservation, Citizen Science, Climate Change, Conservation Tech Training and Education, Data management and processing tools, Early Career, East Africa Community, Emerging Tech, Ending Wildlife Trafficking Online, Ethics of Conservation Tech, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Open Source Solutions, Software Development, Wildlife Crime, Women in Conservation Tech Programme (WiCT) | 1 year 4 months ago | |
| Will you accept personal/hobbyist focused on conservation on their small plots of land (10-100 acres)?I would, and know others, who would happily pay more than the official... |
|
Camera Traps, Climate Change, Community Base, Connectivity, Emerging Tech, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Sensors, Wildlife Crime | 1 year 5 months ago | |
| Thank you Stefan! Will follow up with your email shortly. |
|
Acoustics, Emerging Tech, Ethics of Conservation Tech | 1 year 5 months ago | |
| @JakeBurton and @HollyCormack have a first look at The Inventory, a WILDLABS project to build a dynamic, collaborative, wiki-inspired... |
|
Emerging Tech | 1 year 5 months ago | |
| @TaliaSpeaker and @Fanni joined our last Variety Hour to talk us through the key trends and takeaways from this first global assessment... |
|
Emerging Tech, Community Base | 1 year 5 months ago | |
| I always thought a tracker that attached like a slap bracelet would be sweet. |
|
Emerging Tech, Footprint Identification Technique (FIT), Sensors | 1 year 5 months ago | |
| My suggestion would probably be a 3D printer and Solder Station with a stock of common components. With those two things you can solve most problems. |
|
Community Base, Emerging Tech, Marine Conservation, Protected Area Management Tools, Sensors | 1 year 5 months ago | |
| Hi Emma, In your new project, if you have interest in a direct to satellite platform perspective, you can contact me on info@cerestag.com Would be interested to see your outcomes... |
|
Emerging Tech, Ethics of Conservation Tech | 1 year 7 months ago | |
| Makes sense if you have the cash... |
+8
|
Animal Movement, Climate Change, Sensors, Build Your Own Data Logger Community, Emerging Tech | 1 year 8 months ago |
