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The way to a healthier planet is not always one with direct actions. Being patient, collecting data and developing new methods for taking measurements will help us understand the parameters necessary to create a more sustainable environment. This is what the research of Yannick Wiegers, PhD candidate at the Wildlife Ecology and Nature Restoration research group of the Institute of the Environmental Biology teaches us. Five questions to Yannick on his current research and how this contributes to the pathway of a more healthy planet.

1. Can you provide a short description of the research you conducted?

My research focuses on developing innovative methods to estimate population sizes of wildlife, particularly unmarked ground-dwelling animals and tree-dwelling species, in the rainforests of French Guiana. Traditional camera traps are effective for observing mammals but fall short in estimating populations, especially for species without unique patterns or those living in trees. To address this, I use a combination of camera traps and acoustic recorders to monitor biodiversity in both protected and unprotected forest areas in French Guiana. This methodological approach aims to provide more accurate data for conservation efforts, helping rangers and policymakers make evidence-based decisions to protect biodiversity.

2. What was your motivation to choose this particular project as your PhD?

I have always been passionate about animals and enjoy solving problems through programming. This project perfectly combines these interests: I get to conduct fieldwork in the rainforest, install sensors, and then analyze the complex ecological data collected. Additionally, I find it rewarding to know that the wildlife monitoring methods I help develop have direct applications for conservationists. For example, we are working on algorithms to detect gunshots, which can aid in identifying illegal hunting activities. This blend of fieldwork, data analysis, and real-world impact makes the project deeply fulfilling.

3. What is the meaning, role, or place of the Biodiversity theme within your research?

Biodiversity is central to my research, particularly in how we monitor and protect it. French Guiana, with its largely intact forests, is a global biodiversity hotspot. My work focuses on developing methods that allow forest rangers to accurately monitor target species and estimate their populations. These metrics are crucial for creating evidence-based conservation strategies, which are essential for protecting biodiversity as a whole. By improving our ability to track species, we can better understand the impacts of threats like hunting and habitat loss and take action to mitigate them.

4. What was the biggest challenge you faced in this project?

One of the biggest challenges has been ensuring that our monitoring equipment survives the harsh rainforest environment. The Guiana Shield region is one of the wettest places on Earth, and the humidity and heavy rainfall are not kind to motion-triggered cameras or acoustic recorders. Keeping the devices functional often requires creative improvisation. Despite these challenges, the project has been incredibly rewarding, especially when we see the data being used to support conservation efforts.

5. What are the most important findings of your project so far, and how do they contribute to a ‘Healthy Planet’?

In our most recent work, we tested new models for camera traps that allow for more accurate population estimates of wildlife. This is a significant improvement over previous methods, which could only confirm the presence of animals but not their numbers. These findings are directly applicable to conservation efforts, enabling rangers and policymakers to implement targeted measures when necessary. By improving our ability to monitor biodiversity, this research contributes to the broader goal of creating a healthier, more sustainable planet.