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Emerging Technologies in the Ecology and Conservation Sectors / JAC JONES

Swansea University Author: JAC JONES

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Abstract

The technological landscape in ecology is rapidly advancing, but current literature often overlooks its practical applications within the industry. This study aimed to fill this gap by examining and quantifying perspectives from ecology professionals on the significance of emerging technologies—defi...

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Published: Swansea University, Wales, UK 2025
Institution: Swansea University
Degree level: Master of Research
Degree name: MRes
Supervisor: Roberts, L. J., and Shubin, S.
URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69775
first_indexed 2025-06-19T14:38:55Z
last_indexed 2025-06-20T04:59:22Z
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recordtype RisThesis
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spelling 2025-06-19T15:38:52.5852084 v2 69775 2025-06-19 Emerging Technologies in the Ecology and Conservation Sectors 51b7a683b99baffb290438923d547d89 JAC JONES JAC JONES true false 2025-06-19 The technological landscape in ecology is rapidly advancing, but current literature often overlooks its practical applications within the industry. This study aimed to fill this gap by examining and quantifying perspectives from ecology professionals on the significance of emerging technologies—defined here as tools and methods that are novel in design, application, or capability and reflect the ongoing digitization within ecological practice. A mixed-method approach combining interviews and surveys captured industry insights, revealing that while emerging technologies are widely used, their definition varies across sectors. Key tools identified include thermal and infrared cameras, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, drones, bioacoustics, and artificial intelligence (AI). These innovations are largely recognized for enhancing efficiency, particularly by automating data collection and analysis, results in more time for ecologists to devote to conservation projects and goals. Cost-efficiency was noted as both a benefit and a constraint, with technologies such as drones and eDNA representing high-return investments in their accuracy and resolution. However, as ecological technologies become more developed and specialized, costs increase initially, creating a need for more accessible, open-source, and consumer-grade solutions to be explored more efficiently, as seen with drones and infrared cameras in the past. Although some participants expressed concerns about integrating untested technologies, standardization across the field was recommended for successful technological integration. Increased support for targeted training of early-career ecologists and continued upskilling for experienced professionals are essential for facilitating the effective assimilation of ecologists and technology. Graduates should be made aware of their technological options, how to understand their outputs, and the conceptual knowledge necessary to apply both practical and analytical technologies. E-Thesis Swansea University, Wales, UK Emerging technologies, ecological industries, conservation, Artificial Intelligence, cameras, eDNA, drones, bioacoustics, remote sensing, sensors, consultancy, charity, government, research 7 5 2025 2025-05-07 A selection of content is redacted or is partially redacted from this thesis to protect sensitive and personal information. COLLEGE NANME COLLEGE CODE Swansea University Roberts, L. J., and Shubin, S. Master of Research MRes 2025-06-19T15:38:52.5852084 2025-06-19T15:22:49.5216739 Faculty of Science and Engineering School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics - Biosciences JAC JONES 1 69775__34531__482ff94b604d42eca1f350bd0ef534af.pdf 2024_Jones_J.final.69775.pdf 2025-06-19T15:36:47.2048296 Output 1230375 application/pdf E-Thesis – open access true Copyright: The Author, Jac Hicks Jones, 2024 true eng
title Emerging Technologies in the Ecology and Conservation Sectors
spellingShingle Emerging Technologies in the Ecology and Conservation Sectors
JAC JONES
title_short Emerging Technologies in the Ecology and Conservation Sectors
title_full Emerging Technologies in the Ecology and Conservation Sectors
title_fullStr Emerging Technologies in the Ecology and Conservation Sectors
title_full_unstemmed Emerging Technologies in the Ecology and Conservation Sectors
title_sort Emerging Technologies in the Ecology and Conservation Sectors
author_id_str_mv 51b7a683b99baffb290438923d547d89
author_id_fullname_str_mv 51b7a683b99baffb290438923d547d89_***_JAC JONES
author JAC JONES
author2 JAC JONES
format E-Thesis
publishDate 2025
institution Swansea University
college_str Faculty of Science and Engineering
hierarchytype
hierarchy_top_id facultyofscienceandengineering
hierarchy_top_title Faculty of Science and Engineering
hierarchy_parent_id facultyofscienceandengineering
hierarchy_parent_title Faculty of Science and Engineering
department_str School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics - Biosciences{{{_:::_}}}Faculty of Science and Engineering{{{_:::_}}}School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics - Biosciences
document_store_str 1
active_str 0
description The technological landscape in ecology is rapidly advancing, but current literature often overlooks its practical applications within the industry. This study aimed to fill this gap by examining and quantifying perspectives from ecology professionals on the significance of emerging technologies—defined here as tools and methods that are novel in design, application, or capability and reflect the ongoing digitization within ecological practice. A mixed-method approach combining interviews and surveys captured industry insights, revealing that while emerging technologies are widely used, their definition varies across sectors. Key tools identified include thermal and infrared cameras, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, drones, bioacoustics, and artificial intelligence (AI). These innovations are largely recognized for enhancing efficiency, particularly by automating data collection and analysis, results in more time for ecologists to devote to conservation projects and goals. Cost-efficiency was noted as both a benefit and a constraint, with technologies such as drones and eDNA representing high-return investments in their accuracy and resolution. However, as ecological technologies become more developed and specialized, costs increase initially, creating a need for more accessible, open-source, and consumer-grade solutions to be explored more efficiently, as seen with drones and infrared cameras in the past. Although some participants expressed concerns about integrating untested technologies, standardization across the field was recommended for successful technological integration. Increased support for targeted training of early-career ecologists and continued upskilling for experienced professionals are essential for facilitating the effective assimilation of ecologists and technology. Graduates should be made aware of their technological options, how to understand their outputs, and the conceptual knowledge necessary to apply both practical and analytical technologies.
published_date 2025-05-07T05:29:03Z
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score 11.089572

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