AI-powered video monitoring is giving researchers continuous, non-intrusive visibility over a restored river ecosystem in Taiwan, expanding the reach of ecological monitoring well beyond what periodic field visits can achieve.
Zhonggua River in Nantou County was once heavily affected by river engineering works that simplified habitats, led to the decline of native species and allowed invasive ones to spread. A restoration programme supported by Taiwan's Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation, alongside National Chung Hsing University, removed concrete barriers and reopened riverbanks to natural processes. The area has since received OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) certification.
To support long-term monitoring without disrupting wildlife, smart security solutions provider VIVOTEK partnered with National Chung Hsing University and Taipei-based AI startup DATAYOO to deploy a network of high-resolution PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras integrated with the company's VORTEX cloud surveillance platform. The solution enables researchers to observe and record wildlife remotely around the clock, eliminating the need for physical site visits that can disturb animal behaviour.
The system has documented at least 13 species at the site, including the protected crab-eating mongoose, kingfishers, spot-billed ducks, turtles and wild boars. Beyond biodiversity monitoring, the cameras provide real-time data on water levels and conditions, helping authorities respond to flood risks during typhoons and heavy rainfall, and supporting investigations when pollution incidents occur upstream.
Professor Chiou-Rong Sheue from the Department of Life Sciences at National Chung Hsing University noted: "VIVOTEK's smart security solutions empower researchers to observe ecosystems over longer periods and across wider areas without disturbing wildlife. Combined with wetland restoration efforts, the system has helped document the return of many native species once displaced by human activity."
Time-lapse footage captured by the system is also being used as educational material for schools and local communities in the area.
