AI-operated scarecrows emit occasional walrus-like howls
In a groundbreaking development, Switzerland is testing a new AI-based approach to repel ravens and crows from crops, as part of a five-year research project called ETHIC. Funded by the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (BLW) and coordinated by Agroscope, this project is a collaboration between the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) and other research institutions.
The project aims to develop an intelligent and adaptable system with AI to optimize the spread of ravens and crows in agricultural environments. The new scarecrows being tested are not used indiscriminately but are deployed only when and where they are needed to prevent the ravens from learning and adapting to the scarecrow's presence.
These innovative scarecrows honk irregularly to keep the ravens and crows from getting accustomed to the sound. This unpredictable approach is designed to confuse the birds and deter them from returning. Other deterrent techniques being tested include treating seeds with repellent agents, intercropping with camouflaged seed rows, and different types of scarecrows.
Ravens are known for their high intelligence and quickly adapt to available methods to deter them, such as scarecrows, balloons, or acoustic scarer devices. To better understand their behaviour, a comparative ethnological study is focusing on animal behaviour to identify warning calls of various raven species in different geographical areas.
The project also includes research on autumn sowing conditions and the emergence of crops. Analyzing crow behaviour in response to these options aims to help find better protection for newly sown field crops. The goal is to reduce the use of acoustic scare effects to prevent birds from getting used to repelling devices.
While hunting shots are usually ineffective in regulating the numbers of ravens and crows, these AI-based scarecrows could provide a more effective and sustainable solution. By understanding the behaviour of these birds and developing an intelligent system to repel them, Switzerland is taking a significant step towards protecting its crops and ensuring food security.
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