In a groundbreaking discovery, experts have confirmed the presence of 16 jaguars in the Dzilam de Bravo nature reserve in Yucatán, Mexico. This significant finding is attributed to the innovative Tech4Nature project, a collaborative initiative between the state government, Huawei, and the Polytechnic University of Yucatán (UPY), aimed at harnessing digital solutions and artificial intelligence for jaguar conservation.
Led by Neyra Silva Rosado, head of Sustainable Development for the Yucatán government, the team has successfully identified 146 species within the reserve, with 40 being critically endangered. Moreover, they have developed AI-powered models that enable individual jaguar recognition, paving the way for more targeted and effective protection strategies.
According to Ms. Silva Rosado, this technology has been instrumental in increasing the number of recorded jaguars in Dzilam de Bravo from three over the past five years to 16 this year. The project’s success has also led Yucatán to become the first region in Latin America to join the Tech4Nature network, a global alliance established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Huawei’s Tech4All program.
The team is now working towards certification of the Dzilam de Bravo State Reserve on the IUCN Green List, an international recognition that ensures exemplary management and conservation standards for species like the jaguar. This achievement would not only boost Yucatán’s reputation as a leader in sustainable development but also provide a valuable model for other regions to follow.
In conclusion, the Tech4Nature project is a shining example of how technology and collaboration can drive meaningful changes in the field of wildlife conservation. By leveraging AI and digital solutions, we can better protect endangered species like the jaguar and preserve our planet’s precious biodiversity for future generations.
Source: El Universal
