Animal Detection and Classification using Deep Learning

Abstract:

Efficient and reliable monitoring of wild animals in their natural habitat is essential. This project develops an algorithm to detect the animals in wild life. Since there are large number of different animals manually identifying them can be a difficult task. This algorithm classifies animals based on their images so we can monitor them more efficiently. Animal detection and classification can help to prevent animal-vehicle accidents, trace animals and prevent theft. This can be achieved by applying effective deep learning algorithms.

Introduction:

Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence (AI) that provides systems the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. Machine learning focuses on the development of computer programs that can access data and use it learn for themselves.The process of learning begins with observations or data, such as examples, direct experience, or instruction, in order to look for patterns in data and make better decisions in the future based on the examples that we provide. The primary aim is to allow the computers learn automatically without human intervention or assistance and adjust actions accordingly.

Deep learning is a subset of machine learning. Deep artificial neural networks are a set of algorithms that have set new records in accuracy for many important problems, such as image recognition, sound recognition, etc., In deep learning, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is a class of deep neural networks, most commonly applied to analyzing visual imagery.CNNs use relatively little pre-processing compared to other image classification algorithms. This means that the network learns the filters that in traditional algorithms were hand-engineered. This independence from prior knowledge and human effort in feature design is a major advantage. They have applications in image and video recognition, recommender systems, image classification, medical image analysis, and natural language processing.

One of the applications of the deep learning technique called Convolutional Neural Network is animal detection. Observing wild animals in their natural environments is a central task in ecology. The fast growth of human population and the endless pursuit of economic development are making over-exploitation of natural resources, causing rapid, novel and substantial changes to Earth’s ecosystems.

An increasing area of land surface has been transformed by human action, altering wildlife population, habitat and behaviour. More seriously, many wild species on Earth have been driven to extinction, and many species are introduced into new areas where they can disrupt both natural and human systems. Monitoring wild animals, therefore, is essential as it provides researchers evidences to inform conservation and management decisions to maintain diverse, balanced and sustainable ecosystems in the face of those changes.