Analysing recordings of gunshots could help save endangered species around the world by identifying poacher hotspots.
New technology has been developed by international conservation charity the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Google Cloud.
Acoustic sensors placed in nature reserves or safaris can record events up to 1km (0.6 miles) away.
It uses artificial intelligence to analyse audio for gunshots, alerting anti-poacher patrols.
Conservationists currently rely on camera traps to track poachers. The traps are activated by movement, and limited to close range within line of sight.
But acoustic sensors are cheaper, record continuously and can detect events further with a 360-degree radius.
The pilot
Google Cloud and ZSL trialled this technology in Dja Faunal Reserve in Cameroon.
They placed 69 audio recording devices into the park for a month, generating the equivalent of 267 days of continuous sound.
This was then searched by Google's AI for any gunshots, which were linked back to a location within the park.
Endangered species: Gunshot detection technology deployed - BBC News
New technology has been developed by international conservation charity the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Google Cloud.
Acoustic sensors placed in nature reserves or safaris can record events up to 1km (0.6 miles) away.
It uses artificial intelligence to analyse audio for gunshots, alerting anti-poacher patrols.
Conservationists currently rely on camera traps to track poachers. The traps are activated by movement, and limited to close range within line of sight.
But acoustic sensors are cheaper, record continuously and can detect events further with a 360-degree radius.
The pilot
Google Cloud and ZSL trialled this technology in Dja Faunal Reserve in Cameroon.
They placed 69 audio recording devices into the park for a month, generating the equivalent of 267 days of continuous sound.
This was then searched by Google's AI for any gunshots, which were linked back to a location within the park.
Endangered species: Gunshot detection technology deployed - BBC News