ICT students develop apps for wildlife management
The number of wild mammals in the Netherlands has been increasing for years. In a densely populated country, this brings all kinds of challenges. Think of collisions with wild boar or beavers digging holes in dykes. According to Fontys ICT, smart technology can play an important role in managing wildlife.
‘The easiest solution to the problems with wild mammals is to remove them,’ says lecturer and project leader Monique Vissers jokingly. ‘But that is not what we want. Biodiversity is incredibly important for a healthy and balanced habitat, also for humans.’
That the number of wild mammals has increased has been a conscious decision by policymakers. But not everyone is equally happy about this, Vissers knows. ‘Hunters and farmers, for example, have different interests than governments and conservation organisations.’
In the national project WildlifeNL, various parties are trying to come up with solutions to the clash between humans and animals, nature and recreation. ‘The approach of the project is that research, including with smart technology, can play an important role here,’ Vissers argues.
‘Technology can help us gain a better understanding of interactions between humans and wildlife. Insights that can be crucial for better policy making.’
Dataplatforms and apps
Fontys ICT is one of the project partners within Wildlife NL and will mainly be involved in developing a data platform and various applications that generate data. For example, where certain animals walk, at what time and what behaviour they show. As well as the number of visitors present at a given time and whether there is interaction between humans and animals.
One of the students developing these applications is Eric Manders. Based on previously collected data, he is creating an app for nature managers so that they can better manage their nature reserves and the animals living in them.
His brief is to create an interface that is as good and easy to use as possible. ‘Nature managers should be able to see at a glance what the interaction is between humans and animals in their area, so they can take immediate action if necessary.’
Serious game
On 17 December, Eric presents the concept of the wildlife management app, along with the other students who worked on it. The app will be further developed by others in the next semester.
Besides the data platform and applications, Fontys ICT is also going to develop a serious game. ‘The aim of this is for the parties involved to gain a better understanding of each other's views and interests,’ Vissers said. ‘Only if you know what effect your behaviour has on another, you can reach the solution of better wildlife management in the Netherlands together.’
Source: bron.fontys.nl
Author: Marieke Verbiesen
Eric works on app for wildlife managers