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A new AI-powered crocodile detection system is set to be trialled in northern Queensland, marking a potential breakthrough in public safety and wildlife management.
The project is a collaboration between James Cook University and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), combining advanced camera technology with artificial intelligence trained to identify crocodiles in the water.
Mounted on a mobile, trailer-based platform, the system has been designed for easy transport and flexible deployment across a range of high-use recreational areas.
DETSI Senior Conservation Officer Daniel Guymer said researchers analysed thousands of hours of footage to train the system to distinguish crocodiles from other objects.
“The aim is to create a reliable detection system that could be deployed on fixed or mobile infrastructure in high recreation-use areas,” Mr Guymer said.
“This is a significant step forward as we continue looking at innovative ways to improve public safety in areas where crocodiles also live.
“If successful, this technology could revolutionise how we monitor crocodiles, providing real-time data to help us manage crocodiles as effectively and efficiently as possible.”
Project lead Tao Huang said early testing had already shown promising results.
“This is a huge benefit for community safety, and we now need to check that it can detect crocodiles in the water in real time,” Dr Huang said.
“If the program is successful, it could lead to the technology being used at public locations such as boat ramps or in marinas.
“Our aim is to detect crocodiles, while also considering future extensions of the AI technology to estimate their size, which could assist wildlife rangers in investigating sightings.”
The trial will assess the system’s real-world performance, with hopes it could play a key role in improving safety while supporting crocodile conservation across Queensland.
CAPTION: JCU has partnered with DETSI for an AI-driven crocodile detection system, configured as a trailer. Photo source: JCU
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