AI Steps In to Save Red Squirrels from Extinction

Conservationists are turning to cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology to save the red squirrel, whose population has steadily declined due to competition from its grey counterparts. The innovative AI system, dubbed Squirrel Agent, has been described as a "game changer" and offers new hope for red squirrels, currently classified as Near Threatened by the Woodland Trust.

The grey squirrel, introduced to the UK around 200 years ago, has outcompeted red squirrels for food and habitat. Grey squirrels also carry the Squirrel Pox Virus, a disease that is lethal to red squirrels but immune to them. These factors have driven red squirrels to the brink of extinction in much of mainland England and Wales, with surviving populations found mainly in Scotland, Ireland, and isolated islands such as Anglesey and the Isle of Wight.

To address this crisis, Squirrel Agent has been trained on thousands of images of red and grey squirrels. The system distinguishes between the species with a remarkable 97% accuracy, identifying reds and greys based on their tails, ears, size, and weight—even when their fur color is similar. This high accuracy enables the tool to execute tasks traditionally handled by human volunteers but at a much faster pace.

The AI controls access to squirrel feeders. Feeders for red squirrels are stocked with food to boost their survival chances, while feeders for grey squirrels contain contraceptive paste to curb their population growth. This real-time solution offers a highly efficient way to manage the delicate balance between the species.

Ian Glendinning from Northern Red Squirrels described the urgent need for this technology: "We are in the bar of the last chance saloon, and the landlord has just called last orders." The red squirrel's future looks increasingly bleak without innovative interventions like Squirrel Agent.

Squirrel Agent is being trialed at multiple sites across the UK in collaboration with five wildlife charities. Developed by Genysys Engine, the tool showcases AI's potential to tackle conservation challenges. "It's working in real time to do a task that we don't have enough [human] volunteers to do," said Emma McClenaghan, co-founder of Genysys Engine.

Plans for the AI tool's future include expanding its application to other species and enhancing its capabilities to identify individual squirrels. By analyzing unique whisker patterns—akin to human fingerprints—Squirrel Agent could track and monitor individual members of the red squirrel population over time. This advancement would allow conservationists to gather data on family lines and population dynamics, enabling more targeted efforts to preserve the species.

AI technology has already proven its value in other conservation efforts. For instance, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) used AI to analyze millions of images of Australian bushfire-affected areas to identify surviving wildlife. Similarly, hobbyists have used AI tools for localized applications, such as deterring unwanted animals from private gardens.

Squirrel Agent's potential goes beyond aiding red squirrels. Genysys Engine envisions deploying similar AI systems for other species needing protection, demonstrating AI's versatility in addressing environmental and ecological challenges.

For red squirrels, however, the stakes are exceptionally high. Interventions like Squirrel Agent may keep these iconic creatures on the UK mainland. This innovative use of AI offers a lifeline, combining cutting-edge technology with conservation science to ensure the survival of this cherished species.