Our Approach

We are deploying a suite of customized, off-the-shelf unmanned aerial vehicles to collect audio and visual data in rainforest sites during semi-autonomous flight missions. With expert-in-the-loop routines supported by machine learning we detect and identify plants and animals from digital specimens. This is supported by an interactive, cloud-based interface that links Map of Life's authoritative species information to the local data and delivers species lists and associated biodiversity and conservation insights. This feat is made possible by years of effort by Map of Life to curate species data and develop top-of-the-line species distribution models and official biodiversity indicators.

XPRIZE Rainforest

We are currently testing our Rapid Assessments initiative in the XPRIZE Rainforest Competition, a 5-year competition that seeks to enhance our understanding of rainforest biodiversity through innovative technological solutions aimed at efficiently surveying remote rainforest locations. Our XPRIZE solution leverages careful groundwork for quantitatively linking up geographic scales of observation with human-in-the-loop machine learning to deliver comprehensive local biodiversity information and support conservation insights. Our general framework offers strong scalability and flexible extension to new survey hardware and links in identification experts in innovative and effective ways. The Map of Life Rapid Assessments team has advanced to the Finals stage of the competition. Follow along with us as we demonstrate the power of our solution in the Finals competition in Brazil in 2024.