Murder under the Microscope 2015 Online Tasks
Secondary Quiz 2 Animal recognition systems
What is out there?
There are many reasons we want to identify a species without actually having an expert in
the field to observe and record it. It may be to identify an invasive pest, an endangered
species or even a farmed animal entering a watering pen. Sometimes technology has been
able to help the identification with little human intervention. In other cases, humans have
used technology to enhance the effectiveness of conservationists and experts and to
manage data.
Cane Toad monitoring
The cane toad is one invasive pest whose distribution across Australia is being carefully
monitored. In the early 2000’s efforts were focussed on their entry and progress through
World Heritage Areas such as Kakadu. Wireless sensor network technology has been used to
detect their presence by detecting the distinctive call of the cane toad. See:
Public awareness and action has also been used to identify and try to eradicate isolated
populations that probably originated from hitch-hiking toads in Port Macquarie and Sydney.
Animal recognition system
Another example of a research trial reported in 2008 into animal monitoring is shown in a
video about using a blue screen, camera, laptop, battery and solar panel and fences to
control which species has access to bore water on a farm.
This technology not only benefits the farmer, but also helps to manage native and
introduced species and so maintain the quality of the environment.
Canberra Spider Orchid and the Canberra Nature Map
The Canberra Nature Map is an example of species monitoring that relies on combining
people and technology. Aaron Clausen was mountain biking through Canberra Nature Park
when he stopped for a rest. He noticed a tiny but beautiful orchid flower which he promptly
photographed. It turned out to be the critically endangered Canberra Spider Orchid,
Arachnorchis actensis. What followed from his enthusiasm and expertise in communications
technology is the website Canberra Nature Map. People can participate in science by
uploading their photographs of rare and endangered plants in the ACT and get the help of
experts for identification. Even though the website started in December 2013 it has led to
the discovery of three new species of orchids on Mt Majura already. Many endangered
species such as the Canberra Spider Orchid are not well understood. Raising awareness has
assisted in more accurate information about their population.
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Murder under the Microscope 2015 Online Tasks
Aussie Backyard Bird Count
On a broader scale, the Aussie Backyard Bird Count is the largest citizen science project in
Australia. Held each in National Bird Week (19-25 October 2015)
http://aussiebirdcount.org.au/ In this case people observe and record and the technology is
useful to support accurate identification and for results collation. Why not become an
ornithologist for a day and add your data to the database?
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