Rainforests are full of exotic animals and plants. But one group is using
technology to keep a check on particularly dangerous creatures — humans.
San Francisco startup Rainforest Connection is recycling old smartphones into devices that detect deforestation and alert authorities to illegal logging activity or poaching.
Hidden in trees, the solar-powered devices are programmed to pick up destructive sounds, such as chainsaws or alarmed animals, according to the company's Kickstarter page. An alert is then sent via text message to local authorities, who can then respond immediately. Also, anyone who downloads the Rainforest Connection app can listen live to the sounds of the Sumatra rainforest.
Topher White, founder of Rainforest Connection, became passionate about stopping illegal deforestation when he stumbled upon it. White's goal for the project is to provide the necessary tools to the people already actively working toward rainforest preservation. Indigenous tribes living in the rainforests are a vital part of the effort, White said.
"Our local partners are the most important step," White told Mashable. "It's really about who gets the alerts and who shows up in time."
Current anti-deforestation efforts are aided mainly by satellites, which do not provide live updates. This means responders are often too late to stop environmental crimes before they happen. But Rainforest Connection's device can detect exact locations and times, instantly providing information on which areas of the forest are in danger.
San Francisco startup Rainforest Connection is recycling old smartphones into devices that detect deforestation and alert authorities to illegal logging activity or poaching.
Hidden in trees, the solar-powered devices are programmed to pick up destructive sounds, such as chainsaws or alarmed animals, according to the company's Kickstarter page. An alert is then sent via text message to local authorities, who can then respond immediately. Also, anyone who downloads the Rainforest Connection app can listen live to the sounds of the Sumatra rainforest.
Topher White, founder of Rainforest Connection, became passionate about stopping illegal deforestation when he stumbled upon it. White's goal for the project is to provide the necessary tools to the people already actively working toward rainforest preservation. Indigenous tribes living in the rainforests are a vital part of the effort, White said.
"Our local partners are the most important step," White told Mashable. "It's really about who gets the alerts and who shows up in time."
Current anti-deforestation efforts are aided mainly by satellites, which do not provide live updates. This means responders are often too late to stop environmental crimes before they happen. But Rainforest Connection's device can detect exact locations and times, instantly providing information on which areas of the forest are in danger.
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