SIMBA Machine Learning technique for identification of Asiatic lions
Recently SIMBA (Software with Intelligent Marking Based Identification of Asian Lions) technology was released for the identification of Asiatic lions.
An Artificial Intelligence (AI) based photo-recognition software namely SIMBA (Simba) will be used by the Gujarat Forest Department. This software is specially designed to differentiate lion body patterns or physical markings, so that lions can be differentiated.
It has been developed by Hyderabad-based Teliolabs.
How does this work?
- Asiatic lions have distinctive whisker spots on either side of their muzzle. According to scientific studies, no two whisker spots pattern are the same, meaning the pattern is different in lions.
- Also, they do not change over time.
- With machine learning technology, SIMBA automatically identifies individual lions.
SIMBA accomplishes this task on the basis of:
Based on differences in the whisker spots of individual lions, based on any facial markings, ear scars or bite marks, and other metadata related to the picture.
Importance of SIMBA:
- This helps the user to identify and check whether a lion is already present in the database or it is a new one. Additional information such as gender, name, microchip number, life status, lactating female lion can also be used to identify lions in the database.
- This will help in the efforts being made towards conservation and management of the species in the habitat of Asiatic lions.
About Asiatic Lion
- It is one of the five big cat species found in India. There are other four. Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard.
- Asiatic lion is found only in five protected areas of Gujarat in India.
- These five protected areas are – Gir National Park, Gir Sanctuary, Paniya Sanctuary, Mitiala Sanctuary and Girnar Sanctuary.
- The only cat species that lives in groups is the lion. These groups are called ‘Pride’ (Group of Lions). The female lion is the main predator of ‘Pride’. The gestation period ranges between 100-119 days.
Conservation Status:
- Listed in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- Listed in Appendix-1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife and Flora (CITES).
- Listed in the “Endangered” category on the IUCN Red List.
- Asiatic lions are slightly smaller in size than African lions.
- African lions are listed in the ‘Vulnerable’ category on the IUCN Red List.
Source – The Hindu
