AI could help win ‘race against extinction’ of vital plants, say botanists (opens original article in a new tab)

AI and digitisation are aiding botanists in identifying and preserving plant and fungus species, offering new insights and genetic data, though challenges like energy use and data biases remain.

• AI and digitisation help botanists track plant and fungus changes, identify new species, and access genetic data from old specimens.
• Digitised collections enable faster collaboration and insights, especially in biodiversity hotspots like Madagascar.
• AI models can identify plants more effectively than specialists, aiding in conservation efforts.
• The report highlights risks of AI energy use and data biases, urging partnerships and investments in biodiversity research.