New tech combines AI and ultrasound to protect wildlife

June 08, 2025

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Aberdare National Park in Kenya is piloting an artificial intelligence (AI) system to protect eastern black rhino calves from hyena predation. The system utilises machine learning and ultrasound technology to detect and deter hyenas, which are a threat to young rhinos and aims to facilitate the reintroduction of rhinos into the national park. 

  • When a hyena is detected, the system emits a high-frequency sound that is inaudible to humans and most animals but repels hyenas.

  • The AI-powered ultrasonic deterrent system detects wildlife intrusions in real-time, using object detection and distance sensors. The system deploys adaptive ultrasonic frequencies to deter animals, logs data for analysis, and sends alerts.

  • Our take: Technology offers scalable, non-lethal solutions to a pressing issue…Read more (2 min)

This month’s funding tracker shows a total of $209 million raised for conservation through three main deals. Togo leads with $200 million, followed by Mozambique with $5 million and Liberia–Sierra Leone with $4 million. The $200 million for Togo is the only loan in this group; it aims to enhance biodiversity, while the others are structured as grants.

  • The African Development Bank is the lead arranger of the Togo loan. Deutsche Bank serves as a lender and co-arranger, while Legal and General becomes the first non-bank lender involved, benefiting from the African Development Fund’s guarantee to support conservation efforts in Togo.

  • Additional funding highlighted this month includes $4 million for the Gola Resilience, Empowerment, Access and Peacebuilding project in Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as $5 million from the Peace Parks Foundation for conservation and community support in Mozambique’s Banhine National Park.

  • Our take: Togo’s debt-backed deal, which leverages guarantees and private lenders, presents a model that could unlock larger and more predictable conservation capital…Read more (2 min)

The African Development Bank has announced plans to establish the Africa Carbon Support Facility. This initiative aims to enable conservation projects to generate carbon credits, thereby attracting finance and supporting long-term environmental protection. Currently, the facility is in the design phase, with implementation details still under discussion.

  • The facility will assist governments in creating carbon trading policies and regulations. It will also develop market infrastructure, including verification systems, trading platforms and reporting tools, to enhance the supply and demand for carbon credits across the continent.

  • Experts suggest that Africa requires regulated carbon markets to ensure transparency, fair compensation, and consistent standards. Strong policies can attract investment, reduce the risks of greenwashing, support sustainable development and align with national objectives. 

  • Our take: There is a risk that carbon trading will replicate historical patterns of dysfunction…Read more (2 min)

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Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Alliance is hosting an online fundraiser for rhino conservation in Africa, with a goal of raising $100,000.

Events

🗓️ Plan for the Global Landscape Forum 2025 in Kenya (June 19)

🗓️ Attend the International Congress for Conservation Biology in Australia (June 15)

🗓️ Register for the 2025 Bonn Climate Change Conference in Germany (June 16)

Jobs

🌳 Apply to be a Carbon Analyst at Earthbanc (Kenya)

🌳 Be the next Rangeland Botanist at The Nature Conservancy (Tanzania)

🐘 Become a Program Manager at Okapi Wildlife Reserve (DRC)

🐘 Be a Ranger Special Task Team Leader at Delta (Namibia)

Various 

🌳 Uganda launches carbon market regulations

🐢 Kenya to launch 10-year plan to save world’s rarest tortoise

🌳 Congo to create world’s largest tropical forest reserve

Seen on LinkedIn 

Corazon Nafula, an animal welfare enthusiast, says, “The persistent gap in the inclusion of relevant wildlife stakeholders, youth, women and local communities remains a critical loophole in our country's policy development process, including the proposed Wildlife Bill 2025.”

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