By Peter J Carrick
Publication Date: 2026-06-09 13:24:00
Conservationists analyze overwhelming amounts of ecological data in their work. For example, they may need to process decades of weather data or the movements of millions of insects. Previously, these scientists and decision makers had to search and sort information manually and then use statistical tools that often oversimplified the source information.
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools now promise a solution to all of this. But can they keep their promise?
They are anything but perfect. They have been shown to be able to confidently invent information and amplify hidden biases in their training data. And different AI tools have different uses, strengths and weaknesses. They must be selected carefully.
AI was among the top 10 emerging biodiversity conservation issues in South Africa in a recent horizon scan we conducted. As part of a group of 14 experts in biodiversity conservation, we drew on discussions within our diverse professional networks, literature…
