AI to the Rescue: Finding a Mate for the World’s Loneliest Plant
Researchers at the University of Southampton are harnessing artificial intelligence to locate a female Wood’s cycad, an endangered plant known as the “loneliest plant in the world.” This groundbreaking project aims to revive the species and ensure its survival through natural reproduction.
In a world where technology continually advances, it’s astonishing to see artificial intelligence (AI) stepping in to save not just animals or humans, but also plants. At the forefront of this unique initiative is the University of Southampton, where scientists are on a quest to find a female mate for an endangered male plant that has been dubbed “the loneliest plant in the world.” This plant, the Wood’s cycad (Encephalartos woodii), is not only rare but also a remnant of a prehistoric epoch, predating the dinosaurs by millions of years.
The Wood’s cycad is particularly unique because all known specimens are male clones, leaving its chances of natural reproduction in a precarious state. With extinction looming, researchers have turned to AI and drone technology to identify a female specimen. The project, which commenced with drone flights over the Ngoye Forest in South Africa, aims to scan thousands of acres of land that have remained largely unexplored.
At the heart of this effort is an image-recognition tool trained to analyze thousands of photos captured by drones. This technology allows researchers to sift through the vast terrain and identify Wood’s cycads among a myriad of other plant species. So far, the team has only covered about two percent of the 10,000-acre area, but the potential for discovery remains high.
Lauren Cinti, the project leader and research fellow at the University of Southampton, expresses her hope in the quest: “I’m hopeful there is a female out there somewhere; after all, there must have been at one time. It would be amazing to bring this plant so close to extinction back through natural reproduction.” The last known wild specimen was discovered by botanist John Medley Wood in 1895, and despite extensive searches, no other examples have surfaced since.
To ensure the survival of this species, botanists have propagated male clones of the lone Wood’s cycad by carefully removing stems and offshoots. These clones have since found refuge in botanical gardens, with one notable specimen being housed at the Royal Botanic Gardens in London. Sadly, the original wild specimen died years after being moved to a protective enclosure, marking the Wood’s cycad as extinct in its natural habitat.
The use of AI not only enhances the efficiency of locating a female plant but also demonstrates the potential of technology in conservation efforts. By employing drones and advanced image analysis, this project could revive a species that has been pushed to the brink of extinction.
As the search continues, the intersection of AI and botany highlights a groundbreaking approach to conservation. If successful, this initiative will not only save the Wood’s cycad but also set a precedent for utilizing technology in preserving Earth’s rarest species. Through innovation and determination, scientists are rewriting the narrative of extinction, transforming desperation into hope for the future.
