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
- @SashaSebright
- | she / her
Welfare-driven conservationist exploring the systemic impacts of Web 3.0 on and for conservation
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- 5 Groups
I'm new to wildlife technology but really want to get more involved in learning about the various technologies out there for wildlife and land surveys. I currently work in consulting and trying to find away to incorporate these applications to my job.
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- 7 Groups
I'm a GIS and Remote Sensing specialist with a focus on conservation, currently working as a Visual Data Scientist. I'm passionate about leveraging AI tools to enhance conservation and environmental management efforts.
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- 0 Discussions
- 6 Groups
Mechanical engineer with a passion for applied UAV systems
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- 2 Groups
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Based in Australia, in the Blue Mountains and working with WWF-Australia on a new program "Eyes on Country". Working on the interface of tech, conservation and First Nations/Ranger groups.
- 0 Resources
- 3 Discussions
- 11 Groups
- @kimgavin
- | she/her
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 9 Groups
- @Dannii
- | She
Hi, I'm a UX Designer and Researcher and animal lover. I design interfaces, improve user experiences and user/business flows. Happy to contribute in conservation. Please DM me 🌟 I check Linkedin more frequently, please DM me there https://www.linkedin.com/in/danniic/
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- 4 Discussions
- 3 Groups
- @Arno
- | He/Him
I am a master's student currently working on acoustic monitoring of an Endangered frog species in South Africa.
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- 7 Groups
Bioinformatician
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- 6 Groups
- @cb92
- | she/her
Computational biologist working on the application of DNA sequencing technologies in the conservation of endangered species
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- 6 Groups
- @ZestyResolution
- | He/Him
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- 1 Discussions
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Link
Alibaba Cloud's Geo Fencing System in the Mara
Esther Githinji
Wilson Sairowua, Tracking Manager at Mara Elephant Project (MEP) narrates how tech4change, Alibaba Cloud's Geo Fencing System paired with collaring has helped to mitigate human-elephant conflict across Maasai Mara and...
1 September 2023
Article
Fast grants program for ML and interspecies communication
Maddie Cusimano
Earth Species Project is partnering with the Footprint Coalition to provide grants for research at the intersection of ML and interspecies communication, including applications to conservation.
23 August 2023
Article
Human-Elephant Conflict Tech Solution in Tsavo: NdovuCare
Esther Githinji and 1 more
Read our interview with Sandra Maryanne, a young conservation tech innovator raised in Taita, Ivarenyi with first-hand experience on the challenges of human-elephant conflict within her community. To address this, she...
7 August 2023
Article
#Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge: Judges' Panel Honorees
WILDLABS Team
Please join us in celebrating this year’s top #Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge Honorees as chosen by our panel of leading conservation organization judges, and enjoy the story contained within these entries about how our...
4 August 2023
Article
Join us as we count down the WILDLABS community's honorees in the first-ever #Tech4Wildlife Community Choice Awards!
3 August 2023
Article
Sustained Effort: When There's No Time To Wait
Isobel Ashbey
In this article from Isobel Ashbey, she shares Cambridge Consultants’ method for thinking of sustainability as a framework that addresses every level of product development.
26 July 2023
Article
Renew Capital launches Renew Venture Lab
Lucas Robinson
Renew Capital is sourcing startups for our next Super Angels Fund and we are hoping to close investments in 20 startups before the end of December 2023.
19 July 2023
Careers
Postdoc position at NASA JPL: study and prototype innovative satellite-tag systems to track the movement of animals from space.
11 July 2023
Link
We've published a paper on the role of low-code Earth observation tools in the sustainability transition. It covers how different roles in a business like analysts and executives can benefit from this tech and how it...
30 June 2023
Article
Request for proposals - Biodiversity + tech solutions
Anna Colquhoun
The GSMA ClimateTech programme
21 June 2023
Article
Sustained Effort: The Environmentalist’s Dilemma
Jacinta Plucinski
In this article from Jacinta Plucinski & Akiba of Freaklabs, they share advice on organising your thoughts around building short-term and long-term sustainability considerations into your conservation technology...
21 June 2023
Funding
JICA, Japan’s International Cooperation Agency is seeking a digital partner with a proven track record in conservation technology as we launch a pilot project to test technologies to mitigate human-elephant conflict in...
19 June 2023
June 2025
event
Nalini
event
Joel Masselink
July 2025
November 2023
| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Really interesting, I will take a look |
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AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Data management and processing tools, Emerging Tech | 9 months 2 weeks ago | |
| Thank you so much! Now everything is in the hands of amazing organizations and companies! But the first results of the Disaster Management cohort are bringing a very optimistic... |
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AI for Conservation, Climate Change, Early Career, East Africa Community, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech, Ending Wildlife Trafficking Online, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Open Source Solutions | 9 months 3 weeks ago | |
| @cmwainaina please take a look |
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Animal Movement, AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Connectivity, Data management and processing tools, East Africa Community, Emerging Tech, Ethics of Conservation Tech, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Marine Conservation, Protected Area Management Tools, Geospatial, Sensors, Software Development | 10 months ago | |
| Thank you very much for this Esther. I also came across Trade in Wildlife Information Exchange (TWIX) which is a enforcement tool for international wildlife trade. |
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Women in Conservation Tech Programme (WiCT), Citizen Science, Emerging Tech, East Africa Community | 1 year ago | |
| Hi Steph, We appreciate the support! Thanks for the tag and your help managing the community!Patrick |
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Sensors, Acoustics, Conservation Dogs, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions | 1 year ago | |
| Hi Sol,If the maximum depth is 30m, it would be worth experimenting with HydroMoth in this application especially if the deployment time is short. As Matt says, the air-filed case... |
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Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Data management and processing tools, Emerging Tech, Sustainable Fishing Challenges | 1 year ago | |
| Congratulations! My first hydromoth was just arrived yesterday and so excited! Looking forward for the update from your project!!! |
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Acoustics, Animal Movement, Climate Change, Conservation Tech Training and Education, Data management and processing tools, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions, Protected Area Management Tools, Sensors, Software Development, Latin America Community | 1 year ago | |
| Gotcha, well I look forward to seeing future iterations and following along with your progress!! |
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Autonomous Camera Traps for Insects, AI for Conservation, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions, Latin America Community | 1 year 1 month ago | |
| 'Most importantly, we have to make it play a MIDI version of the DoctorWho theme song when you arm the device. That has to be the #1 feature if you ask me!' Seconded! |
+9
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Acoustics, Animal Movement, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions, Sensors | 1 year 1 month ago | |
| Hi @Alasdair Great to hear from you! Thanks for the comment and for those very useful links (very interesting). And for letting @Rob_Appleby know. I can't wait to hear... |
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Emerging Tech, Camera Traps, Conservation Tech Training and Education | 1 year 1 month ago | |
| Hello everyone, I'm interested in gathering insights on how the behavior of different species impacts the development and efficacy of... |
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Animal Movement, Acoustics, Camera Traps, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech, Marine Conservation | 1 year 2 months ago | |
| Hi @timbirdweather I've now got them up and running and winding how I can provide feedback on species ID to improve the accuracy over time. It would be really powerful to have a... |
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Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Citizen Science, Emerging Tech | 1 year 2 months ago |
