You can’t spot a hedgehog from space, but you might be able to find where they live by looking for brambles. That’s the premise behind ongoing research at the University of Cambridge, where scientists are using satellite imagery and AI models to map potential hedgehog habitats across the UK by first identifying their favorite hiding spots: bramble patches.
European hedgehog populations have declined by roughly 30 to 50 percent over the past decade, so tracking these nocturnal creatures across large areas remains difficult and expensive. Rather than searching for the hedgehogs directly, researcher Gabriel Mahler developed an AI model that identifies brambles, which are thorny shrubs that hedgehogs use for shelter and foraging, from satellite data.
These small mammals rely on this type of dense vegetation for daytime shelter, nesting sites, and protection from predators. Brambles also attract insects and provide berries, supporting the invertebrate populations that hedgehogs eat.
This is a fascinating topic! The connection between AI and wildlife detection is intriguing, and the idea of using satellite imagery to locate hedgehog habitats is quite creative. It’s amazing how technology can help us understand and protect our natural world.
use of brambles as a marker is a clever approach. It’s interesting to think about how AI could also help in monitoring other habitats and species by identifying patterns in vegetation. This could really enhance our understanding of biodiversity!
Absolutely! Using brambles as a marker is a fascinating idea. It’s also intriguing to consider how AI could analyze other environmental factors, like soil moisture or nearby vegetation, to further identify hedgehog habitats.
I agree, the connection between brambles and hedgehog habitats is quite clever! It’s interesting to think about how other environmental indicators, like soil moisture or vegetation density, could also help in locating these elusive creatures.
I completely agree! The idea that brambles can indicate hedgehog habitats really highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems. It’s fascinating how specific plant life can lead us to understand animal populations better.