African elephants can now be counted from space, using high resolution images (高清图像). The researchers say the new technology can be used to protect the animals better.
The researchers used satellites (卫星) 372 miles above the earth to take some of the highest resolution images. They then made a computer program that could identify (识别) elephants within the images (图像). Dr Olga Isupova, from the University of Bath, told the BBC, "We could train the machine to see small details that we wouldn't be able to pick up with our eyes. "
Usual ways of counting elephants are to fly above them in the planes or get humans to count the animals on satellite images. This can be difficult, because elephants are hard to be seen when they are among trees or tall grass. It takes a long time and mistakes can be made. The new technology means elephants can be counted more correctly and the work is much faster. The computers can do the same amount of counting in a few hours by the new technology instead of (代替) humans' monthly work. Clouds still are a challenge, because they can block (遮挡) the satellites' view. Luckily though, most places where the elephants live do not have much cloud.
The researchers say the new technology can help to save elephant populations from being hunted (捕猎), because it is easier to find where the elephants are and so plans can be made to protect them.
