Posted in | News | Imaging

Monitoring Denning Polar Bears with SAR and Machine Learning

Polar bear conservation during their denning phase faces challenges due to the limitations of traditional Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technology, which achieves a 45% detection accuracy. A recent pilot study in Churchill, Manitoba, introduced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) as a potential solution, achieving a 66% accuracy in polar bear identification despite challenges.

Monitoring Denning Polar Bears with SAR and Machine Learning

Image Credit: Sergey Uryadnikov/Shutterstock.com

This latest study was published in the journal Ursus in October 2023. 

Ongoing research indicates that machine learning can address any issues with SAR effectively. Machine learning's data analysis capabilities enhance detection accuracy in SAR images, notably through neural networks that distinguish polar bears from their surroundings, reducing false negatives and minimizing disturbances.

This technology not only improves accuracy but also reduces the risk of disturbing the animals, offering the potential for consistent den detection - a challenge that FLIR technology struggles with. 

The integration of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology with machine learning not only promises significant advancements in polar bear detection but also carries profound environmental implications. By enhancing the precision and efficiency of wildlife monitoring, this innovation supports the conservation of polar bear populations and their fragile ecosystems.

Reduced disturbance during denning periods ensures the well-being of these iconic creatures while preserving their habitats. Furthermore, SAR's adaptability extends to broader ecosystem monitoring, offering a comprehensive approach to environmental protection.

Researchers can utilize SAR for assessing polar bear populations, individual identification, and health monitoring without physical contact. Beyond polar bears, SAR and machine learning have the potential for comprehensive ecosystem monitoring and conservation, creating opportunities for environmental and ecological consultancy, governmental conservation bodies, and researchers alike. 

Source:

George, B. et al. (no date) On evaluating the efficacy of air-borne synthetic aperture radar for detecting polar bears: A pilot study, BioOne Complete. Available at: https://bioone.org/journals/ursus/volume-2023/issue-34e6/URSUS-D-22-00018/On-evaluating-the-efficacy-of-air-borne-synthetic-aperture-radar/10.2192/URSUS-D-22-00018.short?tab=ArticleLink (Accessed: 19 October 2023).

Skyla Baily

Written by

Skyla Baily

Skyla graduated from the University of Manchester with a BSocSc Hons in Social Anthropology. During her studies, Skyla worked as a research assistant, collaborating with a team of academics, and won a social engagement prize for her dissertation. With prior experience in writing and editing, Skyla joined the editorial team at AZoNetwork in the year after her graduation. Outside of work, Skyla’s interests include snowboarding, in which she used to compete internationally, and spending time discovering the bars, restaurants and activities Manchester has to offer!

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Baily, Skyla. (2023, October 19). Monitoring Denning Polar Bears with SAR and Machine Learning. AZoOptics. Retrieved on December 07, 2024 from https://www.azooptics.com/News.aspx?newsID=28463.

  • MLA

    Baily, Skyla. "Monitoring Denning Polar Bears with SAR and Machine Learning". AZoOptics. 07 December 2024. <https://www.azooptics.com/News.aspx?newsID=28463>.

  • Chicago

    Baily, Skyla. "Monitoring Denning Polar Bears with SAR and Machine Learning". AZoOptics. https://www.azooptics.com/News.aspx?newsID=28463. (accessed December 07, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Baily, Skyla. 2023. Monitoring Denning Polar Bears with SAR and Machine Learning. AZoOptics, viewed 07 December 2024, https://www.azooptics.com/News.aspx?newsID=28463.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.