A computer vision system has been developed to enable biologists
to identify and monitor large numbers of endangered animals, from
butterflies to whales.
Scientists at the
University of Bristol, working on Robben Island in South
Africa, have devised a surveillance system to capture detailed and
reliable data on populations of endangered species.
The project, called the "Penguin Recognition Project" -
supported by
Earthwatch, the international environmental charity, and the
Leverhulme Trust -
is being used to monitor the African penguin. The system captures a
real-time image of the pattern of spots on the penguin's chests,
which uniquely identifies each animal.
The Penguin Recognition Project is being shown at this year's
Royal Society Summer
Science exhibition (30 June to 3 July).