AI Technology Aids in Saving Critically Endangered Bird
Colossal Biosciences, has developed an artificial intelligence algorithm capable of identifying the calls of the tooth-billed pigeon—a bird species teetering on the edge of extinction.
Working alongside the Samoa Conservation Society, the organization aims to use this innovative tool to locate the few remaining individuals of this elusive bird, increasing chances of monitoring and preserving the species.
The Tooth-Billed Pigeon: Samoa’s “Little Dodo”
Endemic to the rainforests of Samoa, the tooth-billed pigeon—known locally as the Manumea—is sometimes referred to as the “little dodo” due to its close genetic relation to the extinct bird. It is also a symbol of national pride in Samoa.
This species has become so rare that sightings have been virtually nonexistent in recent years, making any attempt to track it incredibly challenging. In March 2024, however, a significant breakthrough occurred when a field team member captured the first indisputable sighting of the bird in decades.
AI Steps in Where Traditional Methods Struggle
What makes this achievement especially noteworthy is that the algorithm was trained using extremely limited data: a single five-minute audio recording from the 1980s, captured at the Berlin Zoo, containing just three authentic bird calls.
Despite the scarcity of data, Colossal’s researchers engineered a machine learning model capable of distinguishing the tooth-billed pigeon’s unique vocalizations from the myriad background sounds of the Samoan rainforest.
To improve precision, they used control audio data from American Samoa, where the bird does not exist, allowing the algorithm to learn which sounds to disregard. This helped isolate and highlight the specific calls of the target species.
Impressive Results in Record Time
In just two weeks, the Colossal team developed an AI model that can now identify the pigeon’s call with 95% accuracy. This milestone provides conservationists with a powerful tool for monitoring the species’ presence and movement in the wild.
More importantly, the system offers a non-invasive way to locate these rare birds without disturbing their natural environment—an essential aspect of ethical wildlife conservation.
Implications for the Future of Conservation
This AI-driven approach marks a significant advancement in biodiversity preservation. It demonstrates how even the smallest amount of reliable data can be transformed into impactful conservation tools through modern technology.
As the climate crisis and habitat loss continue to threaten global biodiversity, tools like Colossal’s algorithm may become invaluable for locating and saving not just the Manumea, but many other endangered species across the globe.
This success story is a testament to what can be achieved when cutting-edge technology is applied with purpose and care, and it paves the way for future collaborations between tech innovators and environmental organizations.