Vision algorithms for automated census of animals

Numerous military bases have a requirement, based on the Sikes Act, to maintain the base´s natural environment while still meeting military mission objectives. One method used to accomplish this is by working toward the goal of achieving habitat and species sustainability. One difficulty is that there is currently no adequate baseline of the ecosystem; specifically, a critical need is the detection, identification, and tracking of animals on Federal and State endangered lists 24 hours a day. For instance, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists 130 animals as either endangered or threatened, including the desert tortoise, the Mohave ground squirrel, various species of fox, jaguar, mountain beaver, and wolf. In order to even begin to form an appropriate natural environmental baseline, the location and movements of these animals must be acquired, recorded, and made available for review. To this end, we detail technology and machine vision algorithms that can be used to recognize, track, record, and annotate sightings of these animals. We present the methods used, results of our work, current challenges, and future approaches we are taking with our research.