A neural network has counted more than 150 polar bears in the Yakutia reserve “Bear Islands” from drone images, as reported by RIA Novosti, citing the press service of the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources.
It’s worth noting that in Russia, the “Polar Bear Census” has been conducted since 2022. The first stage took place last autumn on Wrangel Island in the Chukotka Sea, where 864 predators were discovered.
In October 2023, the second stage of the census took place in the “Bear Islands” reserve in Yakutia. Using the “Orlan-10” drones, scientists obtained more than 25,000 images. A specially trained neural network identified more than 150 polar bears in the reserve territory.
By the way, February 27 is International Polar Bear Day. This species is listed in the Red Book of Russia and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Unfortunately, despite protective measures, their population continues to decline.
Photo: wirestock / Freepik