Integrating Artificial Intelligence-based tools and citizen science to enhance biodiversity research and conservation of the charismatic praying mantises (Insecta: Mantodea).

Insects are a key component of ecosystems, economies and human cultures. The Montreal Insectarium seeks to connect the public to nature through engagement with insects, implementing educational programs and citizen science-based research to encourage their conservation. Charismatic species such as praying mantises are instrumental in this context, fostering knowledge of and positive attitudes towards insects through their aesthetic appeal and cultural and commercial value. However, despite the popularity of praying mantises, a historical lack of research has resulted in considerable knowledge gaps about their biodiversity and ecological relevance. This project will integrate artificial intelligence-based tools and citizen science to crowdsource data in order to overcome this data deficiency, raising praying mantises’ profile as flagship organisms for insect conservation and advancing insect biodiversity science. It will assist the Montreal Insectarium in strengthening and diversifying its public education programs to encourage individuals to take collective action in support of insect conservation.

Faculty Supervisor:

Colin Robert Favret

Student:

Partner:

Ville de Montréal (Espace pour la vie)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Arts, entertainment and recreation; Public administration; Utilities

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: