WingSentry
The AI that watches birds in the dark so tourists don't have to disturb them
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AI Translation Summary
WingSentry uses thermal cameras, bioacoustic sensors, and AI to read bird behavior that people can't see, then turns it into simple route advice for tour operators. Built by biologists and conservation researchers, it lets birdwatching tourism grow without trampling the nests it depends on. In Colombia — the world's most bird-diverse country — field tests analyzed over 116 hours of recordings and 50 million data points to steer visitors around nesting zones. The result reframes conservation as an opportunity: protect the birds, and the tourism thrives.
Cultural Context
Colombia holds nearly 20% of the world's bird species, making it the top birdwatching destination on Earth, and the campaign frames eco-tourism as a legal, sustainable alternative to "illicit crop economies" — a euphemism for coca/cocaine cultivation in rural regions. The hero species, the Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis), is a nocturnal, echolocating cave bird whose heat signature is the literal subject of the thermal-scanning technology.
Entry Information
Summary
WingSentry transforms invisible bird behavior into a visible, actionable system for tourism. Developed by biologists, university researchers, and experts in animal conservation, it uses AI, thermal imaging, and bioacoustics to capture and interpret flight patterns and activity beyond human perception, translating them into clear guidance for route design. The breakthrough lies in turning complex ecological intelligence into an intuitive tool for non-scientific users, shifting conservation from a limitation into a creative opportunity. Instead of restricting tourism, the system enables it to evolve, allowing operators to design experiences that actively protect biodiversity.
Strategy
The strategy was built on a strong business insight: ecotourism depends on wildlife, yet the lack of accessible ecological data often leads to unintentional harm. Tourism operators needed to balance growing demand with environmental responsibility, but lacked the tools to do so with precision. Research and fieldwork revealed that while large volumes of biological data could be captured, it remained too complex for non-scientific audiences to interpret and apply in real time. The blend between creativity and data played a key role in framing this strategy. Instead of presenting data, WingSentry translates it into intuitive guidance that fits naturally into the decision-making process of tourism operators.
Execution
WingSentry execution was brought to life through a combination of scientific fieldwork, creativity, AI, and applied technology. Thermal cameras and bioacoustic sensors were deployed in natural habitats to capture real-time data without disturbing wildlife. This data was processed through a custom AI system, translating complex ecological patterns into clear, usable guidance. The solution was implemented directly with tourism operators, ensuring insights could be applied in real-world route planning and visitor management. Its interface was designed to be intuitive, enabling non-expert users to act on scientific data with confidence.
Results
WingSentry was validated through field tests in Colombia. 2 pilots captured over 27 hours of audio and video, refining methodology and data collection. A 2.5-month field deployment analyzed more than 116 hours of thermal and acoustic recordings, and the Al system analyzed over 50 million data points. With nearly 20% of the world’s bird species, Colombia ranks first in global bird diversity. Birdwatching alone generates more than 7,000 jobs and over $9 million annually. WingSentry premiered at the Animal Behaviour International Congress in Vienna, supported and funded by the Max Planck Institute and the International Animal Behaviour Society. Strengthened tourism as a sustainable alternative to drugs; birds receive stronger protection; and travelers enjoy nature responsibly.