Blog

  1. Can a computer save animals from extinction?

    Can a computer save animals from extinction?

    "Oops, we did it again". We do it over and over again and unfortunately, we are getting better at it: last year yet another 45 species were added to the list of extinct animals. Bad news for the giant tortoises of Galapagos, but also for lesser-known species with roaring names such as the Las Vegas leopard frog (yes, that's an animal too). Worse still, some million plant and animal species are at risk of suffering the same fate in the very near future. But maybe computers can help turn the tide.

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  2. A Window into Barbie’s World: Zoo Animal Welfare indicators

    A Window into Barbie’s World: Zoo Animal Welfare indicators

    Is giraffe Barbie in ZOO Planckendael using her tongue to eat her food? Is she later spending time ruminating? Is she laying down or standing up when she ruminates? All these behaviours are indicators that we can monitor to assess Barbie’s welfare.    Is Barbie’s coat shiny? How is her body condition? Does she have a runny nose? These characteristics on Barbie’s physical appearance are welfare indicators as well.  

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