Researchers in the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen are developing a sustainable monitoring system to better understand local flora and fauna. Using 65 solar-powered wildlife cameras, the system continuously collects images and wirelessly transmits them to an AI platform for species identification. This innovative approach enables faster and more efficient monitoring of animals like roe deer, rabbits, and foxes compared to traditional methods.

The project focuses on:

• Rabbit population recovery: Cameras track the return of rabbits, whose numbers have drastically declined in the Dutch coastal dunes.
• Mapping other mammals: Hard-to-observe species like foxes and roe deer are now being closely monitored.
• Cost-effectiveness: While initial costs are higher, the system is projected to be up to 43% cheaper than traditional methods over 10 years, thanks to reduced maintenance and labor costs.

“Species identification using AI is very promising, but existing models need further improvement to become fully operational,” explains researcher Daniel Kissling. The study not only provides new ecological insights but also supports sustainable management of the Waterleidingduinen.