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041Tech columnist Jenine Wyngaard looks into how technology affects wildlife both positively and negatively.

Technology has profoundly influenced wildlife, shaping ecosystems and species in both positive and negative ways. As human technological advancements have accelerated, so too have their impacts on the natural world. Below we explore how technology has affected wildlife, examining both its beneficial and detrimental effects.

The Negative:

• Habitat Destruction: Technological activities, such as deforestation, urbanization, and mining, have led to the destruction and fragmentation of wildlife habitats. This loss of habitat is one of the leading causes of species decline and extinction.
• Pollution: Industrial and technological processes have contributed to environmental pollution, which can have serious consequences for wildlife. Pollution can contaminate water sources, disrupt ecosystems, and harm wildlife through direct exposure or ingesting of toxic substances.
• Climate Change: The use of technology has contributed to climate change, which is altering habitats and ecosystems around the world. Changes in temperature and weather patterns can disrupt wildlife behaviour, migration, and breeding patterns, leading to population declines.
• Invasive Species: The introduction of invasive species, often facilitated by human activities, can have devastating effects on native wildlife. Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, prey on native species, and alter ecosystems in ways detrimental to wildlife.

The Positive:

• Conservation Efforts: Technology has revolutionized conservation efforts, enabling researchers to monitor and protect wildlife more effectively. Tools such as GPS tracking devices, satellite imagery, and drones allow for more precise tracking of animal movements, population sizes, and habitat changes. This information is vital for developing conservation strategies and protecting endangered species. As an example,  in Zimbabwe, Anti-Poaching Tracking Specialists (ATS) utilise a sophisticated arsenal of technology to enhance the protection of rhinos. High-tech e-bike bikes empower rangers to cover vast areas undetected, making contact with poachers and apprehending them. From the sky above, drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging are enabling rangers to locate poachers at night and in challenging terrain, while GPS dog collars help track trained canines during pursuit missions. In South Africa, SANParks showcases another innovative approach to conservation – the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera system. This technology automatically identifies and records the license plates of vehicles entering and exiting the park, helping to control illegal movement within its boundaries.
• Wildlife Rehabilitation: Advances in veterinary technology have improved the care and treatment of injured or orphaned wildlife. Veterinarians can now perform surgeries and provide medical care to animals, increasing their chances of survival and eventual release back into the wild.
• Education and Awareness: Technology has played a crucial role in raising awareness about wildlife conservation issues. Through documentaries, online media platforms, and virtual reality experiences, people can learn about wildlife and the importance of protecting biodiversity.
• Research Opportunities: Technology has opened up new avenues for wildlife research, allowing scientists to study animal behaviour, migration patterns, and ecological interactions in greater detail. Tools such as camera traps, acoustic monitoring devices, and DNA analysis techniques have provided valuable insights into wildlife biology.

So while technological advancements have improved conservation efforts and research opportunities, they have also contributed to habitat destruction, pollution, and other threats to wildlife.

It is essential to consider these impacts and work towards developing sustainable technologies and practices that minimise harm to wildlife and their habitats. It is time to bring about a future where digital connectivity serves both people and the planet equally.