Conservation Metrics

Conservation Metrics is a California-based company that develops automated solutions to collect, process, and analyze wildlife survey data. The company combines machine-learning algorithms, remote sensing, statistical techniques, and scientific expertise to provide impact assessments, measure ecological changes after restoration and management actions or development projects, and statistically sound approaches to estimating wildlife population trends over time.

In 2019, Conservation Metrics deployed its new cloud-based workflow on Azure, using metrics from two wildlife monitoring initiatives, Australian night parrot research and the Elephant Listening Project, as proofs of concept. Moreover, its AI system, which distinguishes elephant calls from other rainforest sounds, has allowed conservationists in Africa to process critical information about elephant behavior in 22 days, marginally reducing the manual time it would generally take.

As of March 2019, Conservation Metrics’ pricing started at USD 1–3 per hour of audio, depending on data volume and project complexity. The company also reportedly collaborates on three to five pro-bono conservation projects every year to test new approaches to wildlife monitoring for endangered species.

Key customers and partnerships

The company works with clients to design statistically robust surveys, including Island Conservation, Point Blue, Papahānaumokuākea, Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the US National Park Service. As of August 2023, the company had worked on more than 200 biological monitoring and resource management projects globally, ranging from 20 GB to over 10 TB of data per project.