There are two kinds of squirrels (松鼠) in the UK: the red squirrel and the grey squirrel. However, the population of red squirrels has become smaller since the last century. This is mainly because grey squirrels have made the life of red squirrels more difficult. Grey squirrels are bigger and stronger, so they are better at competing for food and areas to live. Grey squirrels also carry a virus (病毒). This virus doesn’t harm grey squirrels, but it can be dangerous for red squirrels.
However, scientists have developed a system (系统) to help boost red squirrel numbers. And it uses artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a computer that has learned from experience and can do things that usually need human intelligence. The AI system has been trained to look at photos of squirrels and tell red squirrels from grey squirrels. The aim of the system is to help red squirrels by giving them more food, while stopping grey squirrel population from getting even bigger. To stop grey squirrel population getting bigger, the AI system can offer grey squirrels a kind of special food that stops them having babies. Scientists check the AI has recognized grey squirrels properly.
What’s the next? Scientists think the AI could be also taught to recognize squirrels by their whiskers (胡须). This could help scientists follow squirrels more closely. For example, if a red squirrel gets sick, the AI could let scientists know quickly.
With the help of AI, the number of red squirrels might rise soon. “This isn’t just about squirrels,” Dr. Smith, a wildlife scientist, says. “It’s also about learning to protect wildlife with technology.”