The Uburu App Aims to Reduce Instances of Roadkill in Brazil
Rahul Kalvapalle — April 15, 2014 — Eco
References: cbee.ufla.br & gizmag
Urubu (meaning 'vulture' in Portuguese) is an app developed in Brazil that uses crowdsourcing to identify roadkill hotspots around the country to prevent incidents of animals being struck and killed by vehicles. It is estimated that some 475 million animals die from being struck on Brazil's roads each year, equating to around 15 animals per second. The Brazilian Center for Studies in Road Ecology developed the Urubu app in a bid to reduce those disturbing numbers.
The Urubu app allows smartphone users to photograph animals that have been hit by cars and upload the images. A team of experts will then classify the species of the roadkill, identify the most affected species and map out high-risk areas.
The long-term goal is to use this crowdsourced information to accordingly adapt road systems to reduce roadkill instances.
The Urubu app allows smartphone users to photograph animals that have been hit by cars and upload the images. A team of experts will then classify the species of the roadkill, identify the most affected species and map out high-risk areas.
The long-term goal is to use this crowdsourced information to accordingly adapt road systems to reduce roadkill instances.
Trend Themes
1. Crowdsourced Roadkill Prevention - Developing apps that leverage crowdsourcing to identify roadkill hotspots and prevent incidents of animals being struck and killed by vehicles.
2. Species Identification - Utilizing technology and expert analysis to accurately classify the species of roadkill and identify the most affected species.
3. Road System Adaptation - Using crowdsourced information to inform adjustments and improvements in road systems to reduce instances of roadkill.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile Application - Creating innovative mobile apps that enable users to report roadkill sightings and contribute to roadkill prevention efforts through crowdsourcing.
2. Environmental Conservation - Leveraging technology and data collection to address environmental issues such as roadkill and implement strategies for species protection.
3. Infrastructure Development - Exploring opportunities to adapt existing road systems and design new infrastructure that incorporates measures to prevent roadkill and improve wildlife safety.
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