Empowering Wildlife Conservation with AI: How We Developed the WhatsApp Chatbot to monitor Wildlife Roadkill

At our agency, we pride ourselves on creating innovative digital solutions that address real-world challenges. One of our most impactful projects is the development of an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot for Safe Wildlife Crossings, designed to streamline the reporting of wildlife roadkill incidents in Israel. 

The Challenge: Bridging the Data Gap

Wildlife conservation in Israel faces a significant obstacle: a lack of comprehensive, actionable data on roadkill incidents. While the official numbers report over 2,000 cases annually, experts believe the actual figure is much higher, with reptiles, birds, and smaller mammals often left uncounted. This data gap prevents effective decision-making and hinders the implementation of targeted solutions.

Our mission was to create a system that could:

• Simplify reporting for the public.

• Improve data accuracy and accessibility.

• Provide actionable insights for conservation efforts.

  
  

Our Solution: An AI-Powered Chatbot

We collaborated closely with the Safe Wildlife Crossings team to design a cutting-edge WhatsApp chatbot, accessible to anyone with a smartphone. Here’s what sets it apart:

1. Seamless User ExperienceThe chatbot offers an intuitive, hassle-free interface. Users can report wildlife roadkill incidents in seconds without any technical expertise or forms to fill out.

2. Geolocation IntegrationBy leveraging GPS technology, the chatbot allows users to share precise locations,

3. Advanced AI for Species IdentificationA standout feature of the chatbot is its use of computer vision to identify species from uploaded photos. This not only improves data accuracy but also provides insights into high-risk species and regions.

From Data to Impact: Turning Reports into Action

The data collected by the chatbot is transformed into actionable insights:

• Hotspot Mapping: Identifying high-risk roadkill zones for intervention.

• Informed Decision-Making: Supporting the installation of wildlife crossings, fences, and signage.

• Species-Specific Strategies: Tailoring conservation efforts to the needs of different species.

By equipping Safe Wildlife Crossings with these tools, we’ve enabled them to prioritize resources and interventions more effectively.

Technological Implementation

Our team leveraged a range of advanced technologies to bring this project to life:

1. Data Annotation - we annotated more than 3000 pictures for 26 species

   2. Computer Vision on Microsoft Azure

• Used for species classification and image analysis through robust AI and machine learning models. We reached 99.4% Precision and 95.8% Recall 

• Enabled the rapid development of accurate wildlife identification systems.

Microsoft Azure Computer Vision Model :

   3. ManyChat

• Managed the chatbot interface, ensuring a smooth and engaging user experience.

• Integrated with WhatsApp to maximize accessibility and adoption.

    4. Zapier

• Automated workflows, connecting the chatbot with reporting databases and notification systems.

• Streamlined data collection, processing, and dissemination to relevant stakeholders.

    5. Google Maps API

• Used for visualizing roadkill incident hotspots.

• Provided interactive mapping for decision-making and public awareness.

red location pins, each marking a roadkill incident reported via WhatsApp

   6. OpenAI

• Assisted in developing natural language processing (NLP) capabilities for the chatbot.

• Improved user interactions by enabling the chatbot to understand and respond effectively to diverse queries.

7. Google Cloud

By combining these technologies, we created a scalable, efficient solution that seamlessly integrates data collection, processing, and visualization.  

Our Role as an Agency

This project demonstrates our commitment to using technology for good. From ideation to implementation, we:

• Partnered with ecologists and conservation experts to understand their needs.

• Designed a user-centric interface for easy adoption by the public.

• Integrated cutting-edge AI for image recognition and data analysis.

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The result is a robust, scalable solution that’s already making a difference for wildlife conservation. 

Looking Ahead

As we continue to support Safe Wildlife Crossings, our next steps include:

• Automating real-time alerts for local authorities and rescue teams.

• Enhancing data analytics to provide deeper insights for policymakers.

• Expanding the chatbot’s functionality to include multilingual support for broader accessibility.

  
  
  
  

Why This Matters

This chatbot is more than a technological achievement; it’s a tool for social and ecological change. By making it easier for people to report incidents, we’re enabling communities to contribute to wildlife conservation and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

 At our agency, we believe in the power of technology to solve pressing global issues. Projects like this reinforce our mission to create impactful digital solutions that drive meaningful change. If you’re interested in leveraging AI and digital innovation for your cause, let’s start a conversation. Together, we can make a difference.