Remote sensing to help study chimpanzees

Researchers at Leicester University have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI)  to explore how remote sensing data, combined with machine learning approaches, can help to map, characterise and develop further understanding about the habitats of chimpanzees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve.

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The collaboration seeks to advance a number of projects that will provide scientific insights about the forest and woodlands of Tchimpounga, in the Congo Basin, which is the home of the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre.

Chimpanzees are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as an endangered species. For more than 40 years the Jane Goodall Institute has worked to advance scientific and public understanding of chimpanzees, as well as their conservation, through community-driven approaches.

Professor Kevin Tansey, of the School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, will work with colleagues at Space Park Leicester to support the research and knowledge exchange programme. He said: “The timing allows us to develop the project scope within the context of moving into Space Park Leicester where we can talk with our industry partners who are experts at data collection from drones and aircraft.”