The question of how animals talk to each other and what their different sounds mean has fascinated humans for a long time. Now Artificial Intelligence i.e. AI is helping scientists in trying to understand this mystery. Some experts believe that if research continues to progress at this pace, then by 2030 a major breakthrough can be made in understanding animal communication.
However, currently AI is not capable enough to tell the exact meaning of the sound of a whale, wolf or bird. Research is still in its initial stages, but with the help of large amounts of data and AI, scientists are discovering new patterns.
Biologgers and AI will together understand the signals of animals
Small devices called Biologgers are very important in this research. These are installed with animals, so that data related to their voice, body movements and other movements can be recorded.
For example, these devices can record everything from the sound of a whale to the movement of a bird’s wings. The AI then looks at these recordings and other data together to find patterns that humans cannot easily identify.
Scientists are trying to find out whether a particular sound is related to any emotion, behavior or situation or not. Jeremy Coller, associated with this field, believes that by 2030, a major achievement can be achieved in understanding the “code” of animal communication.
Trying to understand animals is old
Trying to understand the language and behavior of animals is nothing new. Scientists have long studied the signals and sounds of different species.
Irene Pepperberg worked with the African gray parrot Alex, while Jane Goodall spent decades researching chimpanzee behavior and their vocalizations. Now AI can help in doing this work on a very large scale.
There can be big benefits for humans too
If AI is successful in understanding animal signals better, it can be beneficial in wildlife conservation. Scientists will be able to better understand the needs and behavior of animals. This can also help efforts to save forests and natural habitats.
fear of misuse
However, there are dangers associated with this technology. Experts fear that AI technology that understands animal sounds and behavior can also be used by hunters or poachers.
Hunters have previously used recorded sounds and other techniques to attract animals. In the future, if AI starts recognizing the meaning of a particular signal, then it may become easier to misuse it.
Therefore, along with trying to understand the language of animals, it will also be important to ensure that AI is used only for their safety and conservation.
