Colossal Foundation Uses AI to Track and Save the Critically Endangered Tooth-Billed Pigeon in Samoa

The Colossal Foundation, a nonprofit arm of Colossal Biosciences, has entered into a significant partnership with the Samoa Conservation Society to locate and conserve the Critically Endangered tooth-billed pigeon, also known as the "little dodo" or manumea. This species, one of the closest living relatives to the dodo, is endemic to Samoa and has been pushed to the brink of extinction due to invasive predators, habitat loss, and human hunting. Experts estimate that fewer than 100 individuals remain, and the bird hasn’t been photographed since 2013. Recognizing the urgent need for action, the partnership has leveraged advanced bioacoustic technologies to detect the unique calls of the tooth-billed pigeon. Colossal’s AI team developed a custom machine learning algorithm, which can identify the bird’s vocalizations with 95% accuracy, based on just five minutes of recorded audio. This breakthrough marks a significant step in conservation efforts, as it allows scientists to pinpoint locations where the manumea might still be found. The AI tool has been open-sourced, making it available for other conservationists to use in similar efforts. The project involves uploading raw forest soundscapes to Colossal’s machine-learning pipeline, which flags the manumea’s distinctive calls. Field teams can then triangulate these detections to locate live specimens. The ultimate goal is to biobank the species and assess the feasibility of a captive breeding program to protect it from extinction. Additional monitoring systems are set to be deployed, further enhancing the chances of locating and capturing the birds. Joe Wood, Co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Pigeon and Dove Specialist Group, emphasized the importance of this partnership. “The manumea is on the very edge of extinction, and the damage caused by invasive species is devastating. However, the strength of the collaborations and the dedication of the field team offer hope. Colossal’s technology is vital, not only for the manumea but for many other endangered bird species globally.” Moeumu Uili of the Samoa Conservation Society expressed gratitude for the enhanced conservation efforts. “The manumea is a symbol of Samoa’s natural heritage and a vital part of its ecosystem. With Colossal’s bioacoustic tools, our efforts have significantly increased, and we can now make more targeted searches to find and protect these birds.” Ben Lamm, CEO and co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, highlighted the broader implications of their AI-driven bioacoustic technology. “Our success in Samoa demonstrates the power of AI in conservation, especially in scenarios with limited data. This approach can be extended to other endangered species, bringing us closer to preventing extinctions and safeguarding biodiversity.” The importance of conserving the tooth-billed pigeon extends beyond the bird itself. As a primary seed disperser, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of native forests, which other birds cannot effectively sustain due to their inability to open and disperse certain tree seeds. Protecting the manumea also preserves Samoa’s cultural heritage, as it is the nation’s national bird. The project’s success in confirming the existence of the manumea and identifying potential locations for live specimens has paved the way for more direct conservation measures. The same software platform used in Samoa is now being applied to monitor wolves in Yellowstone National Park, underscoring the versatility and potential of Colossal’s AI solutions. Industry insiders view this collaboration as a pioneering use of technology in conservation. Colossal’s advanced machine learning algorithms have not only helped locate the manumea but have set a precedent for how AI can be utilized to protect endangered species in low-data environments. The open-sourcing of the technology ensures that other conservationists can benefit from these tools, potentially leading to more widespread adoption and success in similar initiatives. The Colossal Foundation is committed to using cutting-edge technologies to aid global conservation efforts, focusing on keystone species that play pivotal roles in their ecosystems. Their work involves developing de-extinction techniques and providing support to field partners working to reverse the extinction crisis. The Samoa Conservation Society works to promote the conservation of Samoa’s biological diversity and natural heritage. They engage with local communities, the government, and educational institutions to raise awareness and foster actions that help recover endangered species and their habitats. BirdLife International is dedicated to conserving birds, their habitats, and global biodiversity, working toward sustainable resource use. The IUCN SSC Pigeon and Dove Specialist Group collaborates with BirdLife International to assess and monitor the status of Columbiform species and raises the profile of threatened pigeons and doves globally.