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Les Chouettes Team Logo
Inspiration
1 Why Roadkills Matter for Biodiversity Conservation Every day in the United States, an estimated 1 million vertebrate animals fall victim to vehicle collisions. Globally, this staggering toll reaches approximately 5.5 million per day. Shockingly, roadkills contribute to 30% of the total wildlife deaths worldwide, with certain species being impacted up to 80%.
The significance of reducing roadkill incidents lies in the fact that these occurrences result from human intervention in ecosystems, primarily through road construction without proper consideration on animal movement paths. This concern becomes even more pressing considering the projected 24% increase in road construction by 2050 compared to the cumulative existing roads in 2014. This surge in road development is expected to lead to a proportional rise in roadkill numbers.
2 How to Decrease the Number of Roadkills One effective strategy for preventing roadkills involves the creation of eco-bridges on both existing and new roads. However, the practical utility of certain eco-bridges has been compromised due to a mismatch between their placement and the actual pathways animals use to cross. To address this issue, it is crucial to collect data on the location and frequency of roadkills. This data collection effort would provide valuable insights into animal movement patterns.
By reporting roadkill incidents, individuals can actively contribute to the construction of eco-bridges, thereby preventing further accidents involving both drivers and other predators. This collaborative approach not only aids in conservation efforts but also enhances road safety.
3 Challenges in Collecting Roadkill Data Despite the alarming prevalence of roadkills, the reporting of such incidents remains disproportionately low. For instance, while estimates suggest that over 1 million animals are killed on U.S. roads daily, the California Roadkill Observation System's web app received only 65,000 observations over a span of 12 years (2009 to 2020).
Given that the roadkills are observed mainly by drivers, this low reporting rate can be attributed to the challenges drivers face in reporting incidents while on the road. The most prevalent methods for reporting roadkills involve either contacting local authorities by phone or using an app for it. However, depending on the location of the driver, the local authorities to report may be changed. This can be confusing and discouraging for those seeking to report roadkill incidents. Additionally, the act of composing written reports within a moving vehicle proves impractical and, more importantly, unsafe. Acknowledging this obstacle, our team postulates that simplifying the roadkill reporting process is essential. A user-friendly app designed for reporting roadkills while driving is therefore pivotal in getting more reporting for an accurate data. Such data are a critical resource for implementing effective infrastructure solutions aimed at curbing roadkill occurrences.
What it does
We have proudly introduced the "Anixing" app, an innovative solution designed to address roadkill incidents and contribute to biodiversity conservation. The name "Anixing" embodies two meaningful interpretations: a representation of animals crossing roads and a commitment to improving the well-being of anything, including both animals and people.
Our app offers a unique feature – the ability to report roadkills using voice commands. This approach minimizes disruptions while driving, allowing users to report incidents seamlessly. This real-time reporting mechanism ensures the utmost accuracy, providing immediate updates on roadkill incidents. These real-time reports are seamlessly transmitted to the local government authorities responsible for roadkill management. Additionally, users can opt for manual reporting, with or without accompanying photographs.
"Anixing" also includes a comprehensive roadkill reporting history, accompanied by interactive maps. By sharing this valuable data with local governments, a repository of roadkill incidents is established. This data, once accumulated, helps local authorities to make better decisions, such as constructing eco-bridges in specific areas prone to roadkills.
Upon the implementation of vital infrastructures like eco-bridges, users receive notifications acknowledging their contribution to the preservation of biodiversity. This tangible feedback not only highlights individual efforts but also fosters a sense of accomplishment in the collective mission of conserving our environment.
How we built it
1 Selected the overarching theme of "Protecting Endangered Species and " through desk research.
2 Conducted interviews with three ecologists to identify pain points in researchers' work (difficulty in data collection and access).
3 Narrowed down the focus to the topic of "roadkill" through additional research and case studies. Identified the needs for roadkill data collection from drivers, ecologists, and ecological infrastructure personnel. Envisioned a biodiversity ecosystem where the general public participates in data collection and stakeholders utilize the data.
4 Created lo-fi and hi-fi prototypes using Figma.
5 Developed prototypes.
6 Currently in the process of creating an iOS app using SwiftUI for roadkill data collection. Working on implementing a voice interface to facilitate easy reporting for drivers.
7 Exploring a method to classify and record animal species more easily through photographs during roadkill reporting using the CoreML framework.
Challenges we ran into
Low Roadkill Reporting Rate: Motivating User One of the significant challenges we encountered pertains to the persistently low rate of roadkill reporting. Despite the alarming magnitude of roadkill-related wildlife deaths (contributing to 30% of overall wildlife mortality), and the crucial role that reporting and data collection play in mitigating these incidents, the reporting rate in the United States stands at less than 0.1%. This calculation is based on the estimation that approximately 65,000 roadkill reports were submitted in California over 12 years, in comparison to a staggering daily estimate of 1 million roadkill occurrences across the entire country.
Acknowledging that drivers are often the primary observers of roadkill incidents, this low reporting rate can be attributed to the inherent challenges drivers face when attempting to report incidents while on the road. Our team focused on simplifying the reporting process. To achieve this, we've developed a user-friendly app explicitly designed for reporting roadkills while driving. This strategic approach aims to stimulate higher reporting rates, resulting in a more accurate and comprehensive dataset.
Moreover, to ensure sustained user engagement and encourage drivers to continue reporting roadkill incidents, we've implemented a feedback system. As an integral part of our solution, we provide users with feedback on their reported incidents. Furthermore, as we roll out essential infrastructures like eco-bridges to counter roadkill occurrences, users receive notifications recognizing their invaluable contributions to reduction of roadkills and therefore conserving biodiversity. This personalized feedback not only spotlights individual contributions but also cultivates a profound sense of accomplishment within the collective endeavor to safeguard our environment.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
1 Highly Accessible and Real-time Roadkill Reporting: Voice Commands and One-Stop Service Our achievement lies in the seamless accessibility we provide. Leveraging the power of voice commands, drivers, who often encounter roadkill incidents, can effortlessly report in real-time. “Anixing” embodies a comprehensive one-stop solution for roadkill reporting. Determined by the reporting location, our app ensures that reports are instantly directed to the local authorities responsible for roadkill management.
2 Cultivating Public Interest in Wildlife and Biodiversity At the heart of our accomplishments is the engagement we foster within the public. Through our feedback system, individuals receive notifications that recognize their contributions to biodiversity preservation. This tangible and personalized feedback not only showcases individual initiatives but also nurtures a profound sense of achievement within the broader mission of environmental conservation. We firmly believe that this approach will effectively capture the public's interest in the preservation of wildlife and biodiversity. Together, we forge a path toward heightened awareness and active participation in safeguarding our natural world.
What we learned
Vital Role of Data in Biodiversity Conservation and Research Silos We have done several interviews with ecologists, seeking their insights into essential services for biodiversity. Throughout these conversations, a consensus emerged—highlighting the significance of records and data in safeguarding biodiversity. This realization prompted us to delve into the critical aspects of biodiversity lacking sufficient records and reporting. This led us to uncover a significant concern: the notably low reporting rate surrounding roadkill incidents.
In addition to this revelation, our exploration uncovered an intriguing phenomenon—a silo effect prevailing among distinct research institutions focused on biodiversity data. Addressing this challenge stands as one of our forthcoming focal points. We are resolute in our commitment to transcend these silos, fostering collaboration and shared knowledge among researchers, ultimately paving the way for more comprehensive and impactful biodiversity conservation efforts.
What's next for Les Chouettes & Anixing
Forging Partnerships with Local Authorities and Organizations to Enhance Roadkill Reporting Accuracy Our journey forward involves fostering close collaborations with local authorities and relevant organizations. By joining forces, we aim to refine and augment the process of roadkill reporting, ensuring that every detail is captured accurately and comprehensively.
Harnessing AI Technology and Big Data to Enhance Reporting Insights Through the integration of cutting-edge AI technology and the analysis of vast datasets, Anixing is poised to revolutionize reporting. Not only will the app facilitate seamless reporting, but it will also employ AI to propose classifications for victim animals, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the reporting process.
Breaking Down Information Barriers through Cross-Organizational Data Sharing An integral facet of our future endeavors involves overcoming the silo effect. We're committed to fostering an environment of collaboration by actively sharing data with a diverse array of organizations. By promoting open data sharing, we aim to collectively work towards more comprehensive and impactful solutions for biodiversity conservation.
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