Technological advances in biodiversity monitoring: applicability, opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Evidence-based decision-making in natural resource management and conservation is often constrained by lack of robust biodiversity data. Technology offers opportunities for enhanced data collection through a range of satellite-based and Earth-based sensors and techniques. This paper reviews lessons learned from the application of four key technological monitoring solutions (satellite-based remote sensing, cameras, acoustic recording devices and environmental DNA) to identify factors affecting their relevance and applicability. Most tools, if relevant to local user needs and integrated into goal-based monitoring schemes, can contribute to creating the enabling conditions necessary for effective biodiversity monitoring, improving data availability and quality for various taxa when compared with traditional observer-based methods. However, until the tools become cheap enough and easy enough for widespread use (especially in biodiversity-rich countries), and until they can be more inclusive in their taxonomic coverage, technological solutions will still need to be complemented with traditional observer-based methods for the foreseeable future.