A new paper in Methods in Ecology and Evolution led by Dr. Jake Wall marks the first in-depth scientific look at EarthRanger as an essential tool for conservation. Developed by Ai2, the open-source platform has transformed ecosystem monitoring and management, and this manuscript highlights its features, inner workings, and real-world impact on conservation challenges globally. Since its inception, EarthRanger has been adopted at over 600 sites and projects across 74 countries, underscoring its flexibility and widespread use in diverse ecological landscapes and community-based projects.
EarthRanger has its foundations as the Elephant Real-time Monitoring System originally developed by Save the Elephants (STE). It grew out of a collaboration led by Vulcan Inc. and STE in 2015 during the Great Elephant Census. The article details EarthRanger’s current capabilities and highlights how the platform collects and collates tracking data from wildlife collars, AI-powered camera trap sensors, satellite imagery, and on-the-ground observations to deliver a unified, real-time overview of ecosystem activity. The paper also outlines how the features of EarthRanger’s web app and mobile app work with Gundi and Ecoscope to enhance these functionalities seamlessly. Built from the ground up to meet the needs of modern ecological research and protected area management, EarthRanger has evolved alongside its diverse use cases.
A key example of the platform’s original purpose is its application in Malawi, where African Parks implemented EarthRanger to help tackle Liwonde National Park’s challenges of poaching. Conservationists there use the platform in their daily operations to enhance patrol efficiency and manage resources more effectively. Every snare, spoor, and poaching event entered into EarthRanger helps authorities visually identify high-threat areas, respond to emerging trends, and guide park strategies. Since adopting the platform in the park, the team has removed over 50,000 snares, resulting in a steady increase in wildlife populations and vastly reducing the threat of poaching.
The platform’s flexibility also extends beyond Africa. In Washington state, the paper details how the Olympic Cougar Project utilizes EarthRanger to track cougar movements in collaboration with Tribal Nations and local agencies. By aggregating data, EarthRanger gives conservationists and land managers a unique window into the daily lives of cougars. ‘Cluster’ alerts—showing concentrations of location data that may indicate specific behaviors like feeding, denning, or resting—prompt field teams to investigate and document these activities. ‘Proximity’ alerts further enhance research by enabling the detection of potential mating behaviors or competitive interactions between cougars.
While these insights are essential for creating informed, actionable conservation strategies, the paper emphasizes one of EarthRanger’s greatest strengths: its ability to bring conservation teams with varying technical backgrounds across different regions and organizations. Through its user-friendly interface and analytics, EarthRanger unites diverse stakeholders—from local rangers to international researchers—fostering collaboration and ensuring everyone involved can contribute to conservation success.
This first scientific manuscript on EarthRanger offers a comprehensive look at the platform’s development, functionalities, integrations, and applications, cementing its role as a pivotal tool for protecting field personnel, wildlife, and their habitats. For a deeper look into its inner workings and EarthRanger’s role in global conservation projects, read the full, open-access paper here.