To save nature, AI needs our help

"I want to urge policy makers, and CEOs of conservation organisations, to think really carefully about how the widespread adoption of AI in society could impact the natural world - even for uses of AI that on the face of it have nothing to do with conservation," says Sandbrook.

He adds: "Managing and regulating AI to ensure global biodiversity is protected is an ambitious goal, but it's vital to make this part of the conversation. At the moment many people in the AI tech sector, and in government, just aren't thinking about how their work might affect nature at all - they haven't even noticed that it's relevant."

Meanwhile, the Horizon Scan ideas are catalysing discussions that are vital to ensure AI boosts, rather than damages, the impact of conservation work.

Reynolds has received invitations to speak to staff at organisations including the Wildlife Trusts, the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), and BP, all keen to know about the latest developments in AI for conservation.

He's helping others discuss how they can embrace AI to advance their conservation work, and how it might affect conservation more broadly. For example, AI could help consultants make better environmental management plans, or help planners make better decisions about new developments to take biodiversity into account.

And in response to the discussions, he has published a Letterin the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution, outlining ways that people involved in conservation can help support the equitable deployment of AI.