In Brazil, where approximately 16 wild animals are tragically killed on roads every second, a visionary computer science student is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to make a difference.
Gabriel Souto Ferrante, inspired by the alarming statistics from the Brazilian Center for Road Ecology (CBEE), has developed an AI-driven system designed to alert drivers about the presence of wildlife on the roads. This innovative solution aims to reduce the staggering annual toll of 475 million vertebrate animals lost to road accidents, including beloved species like capybaras, armadillos, and possums.
CBEE coordinator Alex Bager emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, \"It is the biggest direct impact on wildlife today in Brazil.\" With Brazil being one of the world's most biodiverse countries, the threat of roadkill poses a significant challenge to its rich wildlife.
Gabriel's initiative not only highlights the potential of technology in conservation efforts but also underscores the urgent need for solutions that bridge the gap between expanding human infrastructure and wildlife habitats. By integrating AI into road safety measures, there is hope for a future where both humans and animals can coexist more harmoniously.
As roads continue to expand across Brazil's vast landscapes, technological interventions like Gabriel's could play a crucial role in preserving the nation's precious biodiversity for generations to come.
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Scientist in Brazil aims to use AI to save wildlife from roadkill fate
cgtn.com