Giraffe Spotter (AI)

An AI-Driven Database and Computer Vision Solution for Giraffe Identification.

Giraffe are under immense threat from numerous biotic and abiotic factors throughout Africa. There are currently less than 100,000 individuals remaining, and this number has declined over 40% in the last three decades. Using the same toolsets employed for Grevy’s zebra (and other species), we created a database for giraffe that used AI to track and identify individuals by analyzing photographs showing the animals’ unique body and neck patterns. With this ‘WildBook’ for giraffe, population dynamics and structure can be more thoroughly understood, and consequently these graceful animals can be better protected.

Population estimates derived from these methods are used by Kenyan governmental agencies to set meaningful conservation policies and goals. As of this writing, over 20,000 observations have been incorporated into the database.

with J. Holmberg (WildMe) and T. Berger-Wolf (Ohio State).