Iriomote Island, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, is home to many endemic species, including the critically endangered Iriomote cat. However, the increasing presence of invasive species threatens the island’s fragile ecosystem. Previous field surveys and fixed-point camera monitoring using IoT devices were conducted to gather data on these species. Unfortunately, these efforts were hindered by insufficient data collection and unstable communication networks in areas with dense natural surroundings. This created a significant barrier to conducting effective biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.
In September 2023, KDDI spearheaded an initiative to tackle the data and communication challenges by leveraging Biome Inc.’s biological data platform and Starlink’s satellite connectivity service. The solution involved utilising the Biome smartphone application, which allows non-experts to conduct accurate species identification through cutting-edge AI technology that recognises both plant and animal species from simple photos. Moreover, Starlink Business provided a stable Internet connection, enabling the collection and transmission of biological data.
Through the KDDI Green Partners Fund, which invests in startup companies addressing environmental issues, KDDI has also invested in Biome, helping the startup scale its solution for monitoring biodiversity.
The data collected during the survey has been shared with relevant government bodies, including the Ministry of the Environment, Okinawa Prefectural government and Taketomi town government. This information is being used to control the spread of invasive species on Iriomote Island, contributing directly to the preservation of the island’s biodiversity. The initiative has also enhanced the understanding of invasive species distribution throughout Okinawa Prefecture, marking a significant step forward in protecting the region’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
