Google Australia partnered with QUT and the Australian Acoustic Observatory (A2O) to develop an AI model that uses automatic voice detection to identify and monitor bird species.
This collaboration is part of Google’s Digital Future Initiative, a five-year investment in Australian infrastructure, research and partnerships.
Since 2019, the QUT-based A20 project has captured over 17 million hours of live audio collected through a nationwide network of recorders. Traditionally, experts manually review recordings to identify bird calls, a laborious and time-consuming process.
To meet this challenge, Google and QUT collaborated to improve the efficiency of speech analysis by studying recordings of not only kangaroos, but also the Glossy Black Cockatoo, an endangered bird found throughout Australia’s east coast. We searched for an AI solution that would improve accuracy and accuracy. An island in South Australia. This model automatically isolates and enhances species sounds, completely isolates them, and removes ambient noise such as wind and insects.
Professor Paul Law, QUT Dean of Computer Science and A20 Principal Investigator, said Google’s model produces impressive results, with very faint bird calls that are easily missed by traditional identification methods. He even said he was picking it up.
“Knowing the existence of certain birds, such as the endangered black cockatoo, helps scientists understand and monitor their movements and adaptations. It helps us make more informed decisions about,” said Professor Law.
Dr Daniela Teixeira, ecologist and QUT researcher, said Australia’s natural ecosystems are under threat from increased invasive species, climate change, increased human development, deforestation, bushfires and many other factors. said.
“As a nation, we have a responsibility to understand how our species and environment are being affected, and what else we can do to protect them. Birds are often viewed as indicators of ecosystem status because they respond to ,” Dr Teixeira said.
Google software engineer Tom Denton said the partnership represents new opportunities for real-world applications of AI technology in Australia.
“Google will be able to work with QUT and A20 to explore AI solutions to monitor endangered and endangered species, with a shared goal of better understanding and protecting Australia’s biodiversity. “I’m excited about it,” Denton said.
“This collaboration is part of Google’s broader commitment to building a stronger digital future for all Australians. It highlights the potential for AI to help
This new partnership will enable researchers to produce high-quality range maps of Australian species, making it easier for conservationists and ecologists to find species of interest.
The researchers are looking to extend these tools to identify both endangered species (such as koalas) and invasive species such as cane toads, house geckos and Indian mynahs.
The model has been open sourced to support conservation efforts across Australia and protect the country’s natural wonders and rich biodiversity.
Main image: Prof. Paul Law and Dr. Daniela Teixeira checking equipment in the field
