The integration of advanced technologies is revolutionizing wildlife conservation, with recent initiatives taking momentum to address two pressing issues: reducing wildlife roadkill and enhancing animal rehabilitation through innovative care methods.
On December 26, 2023, the South Korean government announced its plan to expand efforts aimed at reducing wildlife fatalities on the roads. The initiative will escalate from managing 50 high-risk road segments to 100, according to joint statements from the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
This new strategy is built upon earlier successes where, between 2020 and 2022, annual roadkill numbers fell from 1,197 incidents per year down to 851. These positive results were achieved through targeted measures implemented across designated zones. The additional 50 high-risk segments will adopt the same data-driven approach which utilizes information collected by the National Institute of Ecology.
Among the most significant advancements introduced with this new initiative are several technological innovations aimed at protecting wildlife. For example, areas such as Yangpyeong, Hoengseong, and Namwon will employ artificial intelligence systems capable of analyzing wildlife movement patterns. These AI systems are paired with digital displays, which will alert drivers situated 200 meters from potential crossings, enhancing driver awareness and safety.
The measures also include constructing guide fences along 59 road sections currently lacking barriers, and implementing special installations to deter hoofed animals, like water deer, at four locations where continuous fencing is impractical. To address night-time visibility, LED warning signs will be erected in 51 locations near villages, and speed enforcement cameras will be added to 13 stretches to encourage drivers to slow down.
Besides mammals and birds, the initiative is now broadening its protective measures to include amphibians and reptiles as well. For example, three areas noted for high rates of toad mortality will receive both dedicated crossing passages and protective barriers. Kim Tae-o, director of the Nature Conservation Bureau at the Ministry of Environment, stated, “We will pursue institutional improvements to promote the effectiveness of wildlife corridors and strengthen systematic management.”
The push for technological solutions in wildlife care is not limited to road safety. The People for Animals (PfA) Wildlife Hospital has recently showcased the power of 3D printing technology to benefit injured wildlife. The hospital has successfully created custom prosthetic limbs for various species, allowing animals such as peacocks and cranes to regain mobility. Dr. Navaz Shariff, Chief Wildlife Veterinarian at PfA, remarked, “3D printing has opened up incredible opportunities in wildlife treatment. It allows us to design and implement solutions previously unimaginable.”
3D printing is just one application of technology enhancing wildlife rehabilitation. Laser therapy has provided non-invasive treatment options for snakes suffering from vertebral cord fractures. Similarly, pond terrapins are benefiting from titanium plates used to stabilize their fractured shells, supporting their recovery process.
Further innovations include the use of GoPro cameras placed inside animal enclosures to capture live footage of animal behaviors, providing valuable insights for wildlife caretakers as they observe interactions and recovery updates.
The implementation of data-driven solutions does not stop at rehabilitation. Conservation strategies are also leveraging technology, with GPS collars and tags being employed to monitor animal movements, study migration patterns, and pinpoint regions susceptible to human-wildlife conflict. This data collection is pivotal for conservationists focused on developing targeted actions to mitigate potential ecological disruptions.
Artificial intelligence continues to play a major role, with systems analyzing images obtained from camera traps to identify species and detect potential threats. Drones are also becoming instrumental, providing monitoring capabilities over wildlife populations and assessing habitat health.
Integrative infrastructure solutions are also on the rise. Wildlife-friendly designs, such as bridges and tunnels, are being constructed to minimize human-animal conflict, allowing safe passage for wildlife across busy thoroughfares. Dr. Shariff emphasized, “Technology is not a replacement for care but an enabler to extend the best possible care to our wildlife.”
The ability to utilize technological advancements is paving the way for more effective wildlife conservation and rehabilitation strategies. With initiatives such as the South Korean government's plan to reduce roadkill and the implementation of innovative medical solutions at wildlife hospitals, we are witnessing tangible changes aimed at protecting wildlife. These combined efforts point toward a future where technology significantly enhances the capacity for both conservation and animal welfare, marking a new chapter in humanity's approach to protecting our natural companions.
