Kākāpō early beneficiary of high-tech ‘deep learning’

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  22 June 2026

It’s already helping the critically threatened kākāpō.

Using advanced high-resolution aerial photography, scientists can now accurately identify some of our most important tree species with data collected from aircraft flying above the canopy. Laser imagery (LiDAR) is also being used to determine the height and shape of individual trees.

DOC Principal Science Advisor Terry Greene says the technology is enabling work not previously possible.

“Identifying the species and height of individual trees in a large forest covering many hectares would be impossible to do from the ground, as the time required and the cost would be huge,” he says.

DOC and the Ministry for Primary Industries are funding the development of remote sensing methods – such as high-resolution photography and laser imagery – for New Zealand’s forests, as part of research programmes looking at ways to measure and manage carbon stocks in forests.

The technology uses deep learning to synthesise multiple layers of complex information and turn it into simple, usable data on forests. It’s an example of how advanced technology will ultimately be a game changer for advancing conservation in New Zealand.

Practical application of remote sensing methods for forests is already underway, Terry says.

“As part of our testing, we used remote sensing to understand environments on islands inhabited by the critically threatened kākāpō.

“By using this imagery and a data analysis method developed by scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute, we estimate that Whenua Hou/Codfish Island has around 865,000 trees, and over 200,000 are rimu. Trees such as rimu are important because their periodic fruiting – or masting – drives kākāpō breeding.

“Now we know exactly where these rimu are, we can study how kākāpō are using them, which will support the work to find new, suitable homes for them in the future,” Terry says.

The testing also revealed that Pukenui/Anchor Island has over 1.2 million trees. This estimate was only possible to make using remote sensing and deep learning.

Remote sensing technology will help DOC make better, more targeted conservation efforts over large areas by significantly improving assessments of forest canopy health, seasonal changes in forest productivity, and the amount of carbon stored in forests, shrublands and grasslands.

This work highlights how technology and conservation can work together, blending high-tech with a growing focus on naturing to restore threatened species and ecosystems.

Background information

LiDAR (light detection and ranging) uses lasers to produce high-definition, 3D images of a landscape including the vegetation.

Deep learning uses computer models of data ‘features’ (eg. edges, shapes, textures and colour) to learn patterns from large data sets so objects of interest, such as trees in this case, can be classified automatically.

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Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/22/kakapo-early-beneficiary-of-high-tech-deep-learning/