Monitoring Invasive Alien Species with image-based methods

Duration

2023-2027

Partners involved

The pilot is coordinated by the Danish Ministry of the Environment through Aarhus University, and involves partners from eleven countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, France, Israel, Italy (Autonomous Province of Bolzano), Portugal (Azores), Slovakia, and Sweden.

IAS pilot map

External collaboration

The pilot collaborates with Pl@ntNet, the Horizon Europe projects MAMBO, GUARDEN, and OneSTOP, as well as the European Alien Species Information Network EASIN.

More information

Toke T. Høye

Context

Invasive alien species (IAS) are among the top five drivers of biodiversity loss worldwide. To prevent their future introduction and spread, we need to improve cooperation across Europe.

Main objectives

This pilot aims to develop and evaluate scalable methods using novel technologies for monitoring IAS on a continental scale. Specifically, with a focus on invasive alien plant and insect species, the pilot will:

  • Implement a standardised and internationally coordinated image-based monitoring scheme;
  • Improve image recognition;
  • Map the benefits and constraints of real-time mapping and data presentation in decision support tools;
  • Showcase the workflow of image-based early detection and monitoring.

Main activities

The pilot consists of two modules: one for plants and one for insects (mainly moths). Both modules use image recognition with computer vision and deep learning models for cost-effective and rapid detection of species of concern. The plant module tests a car-mounted camera system (CamAlien) to map invasive alien plant species along roads, while the insect module tests insect camera traps (AMI traps) to monitor invasive alien moth species attracted by light.

Main outcomes

IAS Pilot Midterm Report

The pilot first year report describes the implementation steps taken, including a description of the equipment, taxonomic focus, site selection, data collection and image analysis. It also summarises the data management practices of the project and gives an overview of the first results, lessons learned, and perspectives for implementation in long-term transnational monitoring.