Biodiversity monitoring system and method of monitoring biodiversity

Abstract

The disclosure relates to biodiversity monitoring systems and methods. In one arrangement, a plurality of monitoring nodes is provided. Each monitoring node comprises a sensing system configured to obtain measurement data including captured images in or adjacent to an illuminated target zone. The sensing system is selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes. The monitoring system is configured to select a sensing mode of one of the monitoring nodes based on measurement data obtained by another of the monitoring nodes.

Description

[0001] BIODIVERSITY MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MONITORING BIODIVERSITY

[0002] The present disclosure relates to biodiversity monitoring.

[0003] Biodiversity monitoring systems, such as Automated Monitoring of Insects (AMI) systems, are typically relatively bulky installations and tend to be installed for long periods at a single location. It is difficult to use such systems in a flexible way and / or for monitoring of sites that require multiple systems due to the range of different habitats present.

[0004] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide improved biodiversity monitoring systems and methods.

[0005] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a biodiversity monitoring system comprising: a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node comprising: a sensing system configured to obtain measurement data including captured images in or adjacent to an illuminated target zone, the sensing system selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes, wherein the monitoring system is configured to select a sensing mode of one of the monitoring nodes based on measurement data obtained by another of the monitoring nodes.

[0006] By incorporating a plurality of monitoring nodes that operate cooperatively with each other, it is possible to monitor biodiversity in a region of interest with enhanced flexibility and responsiveness. The ability to switch sensing modes at individual nodes in response to measurement data from other nodes allows the system to adapt intelligently and rapidly to changes in conditions over a wide area, enabling more efficient use of resources. For example, where the target zone is illuminated by an illumination device, an illumination power and / or sampling rate can be controlled intelligently to use available energy more productively, focussing resources for example on time periods and / or locations where information about biodiversity is most available and / or relevant.

[0007] Optionally, the monitoring system is configured to select the sensing mode based on a level of animal activity, and / or whether a species of interest is present, indicated in the measurement data obtained by the other monitoring node. This functionality allows a node to respond to changes in animal activity and / or the arrival or departure of a species of interest before such events are readily detectable at that particular node, thereby improving responsiveness and / or increasing the chances of the node being in an appropriate sensing mode to capture relevant animal activity reliably when it occurs.

[0008] Optionally, the plurality of sensing modes comprise sensing modes having different power consumptions. Configuring the nodes to have sensing modes with different power consumptions makes it possible to vary power consumption intelligently in time and / or in space. For example, nodes can respond intelligently to measurement data at other nodes by increasing or reducing their power consumption, according to whether the measurement data suggests that it would respectively be more or less valuable to collect measurement data. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring nodes may be intelligently controlled to distribute power consumption spatially to focus on regions of more interest, such as regions where significant activity has been detected.

[0009] Optionally, the sensing modes having different power consumptions comprise at least one sensing mode in which capturing of images is suspended and / or in which illumination of the target zone (e.g., by an illumination device of the respective monitoring node) is suspended. Configuring nodes such that they can be switched to a mode with low or zero power consumption when they are not needed saves power.

[0010] Optionally, the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode having a lower power consumption in response to the measurement data obtained by the other monitoring node indicating the presence of a disruption event at the other monitoring node. The disruption event may comprise an adverse weather event. Configuring the monitoring system to be responsive to events that disrupt normal animal behaviour reduces or avoids energy consumption during periods when it is unlikely that high quality measurement data can be obtained.

[0011] Optionally, the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode having a higher power consumption in response to the measurement data obtained by the other monitoring node indicating one or more of the following: the presence of a species of interest at the other monitoring node; an increase in animal activity at the other monitoring node; and that a level of animal activity is higher than a predetermined activity threshold at the other monitoring node. Arranging for nodes to adapt their power consumption in response to activity measured at other nodes improves system responsiveness and energy efficiency.

[0012] Optionally, the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode having a higher power consumption in response to another monitoring node being switched to a sensing mode having a lower power consumption. For example, a monitoring node may be switched to a sensing mode having a higher power consumption to compensate for the lowering of the power consumption at a neighbouring sensing mode, such as where the neighbouring sensing node has been switched to a lower power consumption mode due to low battery.

[0013] Optionally, each monitoring node further comprises an illumination device for illuminating the target zone with electromagnetic radiation for attracting animals. The illumination device attracts animals of interest to the monitoring node effectively and / or during both night time and daytime

[0014] Optionally, the illumination device is configured to illuminate a target zone asymmetrically in plan view, optionally through a range of angles less than 360°. Asymmetric illumination allows the monitoring node to focus energy more specifically on regions of interest, thereby improving habitat selectivity and / or achieving power saving by reducing or avoiding illumination of uninformative areas.

[0015] Optionally, the illumination device of each of two or more of the plurality of monitoring nodes is configured to be controllable by the sensing system to change a size, shape and / or orientation of the illuminated target zone of the monitoring node. Configuring multiple nodes to be controllable in this manner makes it possible to selectively illuminate regions having complex geometries, thereby allowing illumination to be tailored with high granularity to a specific region or regions of interest, such as a region or regions corresponding to particular habitat types. The ability to flexibly tailor illumination in this manner may improve the extent to which the monitoring system can monitor particular types of habitat in a more representative way. For example, instead of being constrained to simultaneously monitor an area containing multiple different types of habitat, the provision of multiple controllable nodes makes it possible to focus illumination more selectively on particular types of habitat. For example, in an area containing a mixture of different types of habitat (e.g., woodland, cropped area and hedgerow), the plurality of nodes can be positioned and / or operated to selectively monitor only a selected one of the types of habitat. This allows more granular information to be obtained about biodiversity. For example, information about biodiversity in woodland can be obtained more accurately (e.g., with less unwanted contributions from nearby cropped areas and / or hedgerows) than would be possible using only a single device. Information about biodiversity in different types of habitat can be obtained more independently of each other. For example, information about biodiversity in hedgerows, information about biodiversity in cropped areas, and / or information about biodiversity in woodland, can be obtained substantially independently of each other even when the different types of habitat are present directly adjacent to each other and / or interleaved with each other in a complex pattern.

[0016] Optionally, the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode in which the target zone extends further towards a selected one of the other monitoring nodes in response to the measurement data from the selected one of the other monitoring nodes indicating one or more of the following: the presence of a species of interest at the other monitoring node; an increase in animal activity at the other monitoring node; and that a level of animal activity is higher than a predetermined activity threshold at the other monitoring node. Directing monitoring resources (e.g., energy) responsively towards regions where high activity and / or species of interest have been detected promotes efficient use of resources and effective monitoring of episodes of high activity and / or species of interest. This approach may enable maximal biodiversity information to be obtained from episodes of high activity and reduce the chances of individual nodes being overwhelmed during such episodes.

[0017] Optionally, one or more of the monitoring nodes comprises a patterned surface configured for attracting animals. The patterned surface may be configured to attract animals at least partly by reflection of electromagnetic radiation from the patterned surface. The patterned surface may comprise a pattern and / or shape simulating the appearance of one or more flowers. Such use of a patterned surface improves attraction of animals to the system and may be effective with and without provision of an illumination device at the monitoring node or nearby. The patterned surface may attract animals during daytime without any such illumination device. Optionally, the patterned surface is configured to emit an odour for attracting animals. The patterned surface may define a pattern of regions having different odouremitting characteristics, optionally including at least one region that is configured to emit substantially no odour and / or two or more regions configured to emit different odours. Use of odour, particular when provided in the patterned way described above, may further enhance attraction of animals of interest to the monitoring node.

[0018] Optionally, the sensing system of each of one or more of the monitoring nodes is configured to obtain measurement data that further includes captured acoustic signals. The sensing system may be configured such that the captured acoustic signals can include acoustic signals generated by animals. Capturing acoustic signals in this way provides further information about animals close to the monitoring nodes and / or may detect animals that are not reliably detected by other sensing modes and / or obtain information about the animals that is not derivable from measurement data obtained using the other sensing modes

[0019] Optionally, the plurality of sensing modes comprise sensing modes having different power consumptions and the sensing modes having different power consumptions comprise one or more of the following: at least one sensing mode in which capturing of acoustic signals is suspended; sensing modes in which capturing of acoustic signals is performed with different sampling rates; and sensing modes in which capturing of acoustic signals is performed with different sensitivities. Configuring the nodes to have sensing modes with different power consumptions makes it possible to vary power consumption intelligently in time and / or in space. For example, nodes can respond intelligently to measurement data at other nodes by increasing or reducing their power consumption, according to whether the measurement data suggests that it would respectively be more or less valuable to collect measurement data. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring nodes may be intelligently controlled to distribute power consumption spatially to focus on regions of more interest, such as regions where significant activity has been detected.

[0020] According to an alternative aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a biodiversity monitoring system comprising: a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node comprising: an illumination device for illuminating a target zone with electromagnetic radiation for attracting animals; and a sensing system configured to obtain measurement data including captured images in or adjacent to the illuminated target zone, the sensing system selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes, wherein: the illumination device of each of two or more of the plurality of monitoring nodes is configured to be controllable by the sensing system to change a size, shape and / or orientation of the illuminated target zone of the monitoring node; and the plurality of sensing modes comprise sensing modes having illuminated target zones of different size, shape and / or orientation.

[0021] According to an alternative aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of monitoring biodiversity, comprising: providing a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node comprising a sensing system configured to obtain measurement data including captured images in or adjacent to an illuminated target zone, the sensing system selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes; and selecting a sensing mode of one of the monitoring nodes based on measurement data obtained by another of the monitoring nodes.

[0022] According to an alternative aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of monitoring biodiversity, comprising: providing a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node comprising: an illumination device for illuminating a target zone with electromagnetic radiation for attracting animals; and a sensing system configured to obtain measurement data including captured images in or adjacent to the illuminated target zone, the sensing system selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes having illuminated target zones of different size, shape and / or orientation; and changing the sensing mode for each of two or more of the plurality of monitoring nodes by controlling the respective illumination device to change a size, shape and / or orientation of the illuminated target zone of the monitoring node.

[0023] Embodiments of the disclosure will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 depicts a plurality of monitoring nodes and associated illuminated target zones.

[0025] Figure 2 depicts an example monitoring node.

[0026] Figures 3-6 depict example illuminated target zones of different shapes. Figures 7-9 depict example illuminated target zones having the same shape but different orientations.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the present disclosure provides a biodiversity monitoring system 2. The monitoring system 2 comprises a plurality of monitoring nodes 4. In the particular example of Figure 1, three monitoring nodes 4 are provided, respectively labelled 4 A, 4B and 4C.

[0028] In one class of implementation, each node 4 comprises an illumination device 6. The illumination device 6 is configured to illuminate a target zone 12 with electromagnetic radiation. The target zone may be additionally or alternatively illuminated by another light source, including by natural light (e.g., originating from the sun). The electromagnetic radiation may be referred to as light, although the radiation is not restricted to wavelengths in the visible spectrum. The illumination device 6 may be configured to output radiation that is suitable for attracting animals of interest. The animals of interest may be insects, for example, or other animals. The illumination device 6 may be configured to emit radiation comprising UV radiation. Alternatively or additionally, the illumination device 6 may be configured to emit radiation comprising visible radiation. Any suitable device may be used to generate the radiation.

[0029] The target zone 12 may be defined as a zone within which radiation from the illumination device 6 is above a predetermined threshold intensity. In some embodiments, as exemplified in Figure 1, the illumination device 6 is configured to emit radiation equally in all directions within a plane parallel to the ground (e.g., when viewed from above). In such a case, the target zone 12 may be substantially circular when viewed from above, as indicated schematically by the circular boundaries 13 shown in Figure 1. The circular boundaries 13 represent loci where the intensity of radiation from a nearest illumination device 6 falls below a minimum threshold for effective animal attraction.

[0030] The monitoring nodes 4 are spaced apart from each other. The monitoring nodes 4 are mechanically disconnected from each other to be freely moveable relative to each other. The spacing may depend on the sizes and / or orientations of the target zones 12. For example, the spacing may be arranged such that an intensity of illumination from nearest illumination devices 6 does not fall below the minimum threshold for effective animal attraction anywhere along a straight line joining adjacent nodes 4. Preferably, the spacing apart is at least 25 metres, optionally at least 50 metres, optionally at least 100 metres.

[0031] The monitoring system may comprise a data processing system configured to analyse images captured by the plurality of monitoring nodes 4 to obtain information about animals present at the plurality of monitoring nodes 4. The data processing system may comprise at least one remote data processing unit 15 located remotely from the plurality of monitoring nodes 4. At least one of the monitoring nodes 4 may be configured to communication wirelessly with the remote data processing unit 15. The information about animals present at the plurality of monitoring nodes 4 may comprise information relating to a concentration of animals at each of the monitoring nodes 4. Alternatively or additionally, the information about animals present at the plurality of monitoring nodes 4 may comprise information relating to a distribution of types of animal present at each of the monitoring nodes 4.

[0032] In some embodiments, as exemplified in Figures 3-9, the illumination device 6 of a node 4A-4C is configured to illuminate a target zone 12 asymmetrically in plan view. The asymmetric illumination may, for example, comprise illumination through a range of angles (from the illumination device 6) less than 360°, optionally equal to or less than 330°, optionally equal to or less than 300°, optionally equal to or less than 270°, optionally equal to or less than 240°, optionally equal to or less than 240°, optionally equal to or less than 210°, optionally equal to or less than 180°. The target zone 12 may thus be noncircular and / or non-centred on the illumination device 6 when viewed from above.

[0033] Figure 3 depicts an example target zone 12, viewed from above, where the illumination device 6 of a node 4 is configured to emit radiation equally through a range of angles equal to 180 degrees.

[0034] Figure 4 depicts an example target zone 12, viewed from above, where the illumination device 6 of a node 4 is configured to emit radiation equally through a range of angles less than 180 degrees.

[0035] Figure 5 depicts an example target zone 12, viewed from above, where the illumination device 6 of a node 4 is configured to emit radiation equally through a range of angles greater than 180 degrees. Figure 6 depicts an example target zone 12, viewed from above, where the illumination device 6 of a node 4 is configured to emit radiation unequally (e.g., with different intensities along different directions) through a selected range of angles. In this example, the selected range of angles is about 180 degrees, similar to the example of Figure 3, but the selected range of angles could alternatively by less than or greater than 180 degrees. The unequal emission of radiation in the example shown has a maximum in a vertical direction in the plane of the page and progressively decreases as a function of increasing angle away from the vertical direction, reaching zero at 90 degrees away from the vertical angle in both the clockwise and anticlockwise directions. Other variations of intensity as a function of angle may be used.

[0036] Figures 7-9 depict example target zones 12 that have the same shape as each other but are oriented differently. Each target zone 12 in Figures 7-9 is rotated relative to the other target zones 12 in Figure 7-9 around an axis passing through the illumination device 6 of the node 4 vertically relative to the plane of the page. The target zone 12 in each of Figures 7-9 has the same shape as the target zone 12 depicted in Figure 4, but any shape of target zone 12 could be used and rotated in the same manner, including the examples shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6 and / or other shapes of target zone 12. Figures 7-9 depict three example orientations but the illumination device 6 could be configured to provide other orientations, including a continuous range of orientations. The illumination device 6 could, for example, by mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis passing through the illumination device (e.g., vertically), for example by a controllable motor, in order to provide the different orientations of target zone 12.

[0037] Referring again to Figure 2, each node 4 comprises a sensing system 8. The sensing system 8 is configured to obtain measurement data including captured images. The images are captured in or adjacent to the illuminated target zone 12.

[0038] In the example shown, the sensing system 8 comprises a light source 12, a screen 14, and a camera 16. The illumination device 6 may be attached to the screen 14, for example to an upper portion of the screen 14 as exemplified in Figure 2. The radiation emitted by the illumination device 6 attracts animals of interest towards the screen 14. The light source 12 emits light towards the screen 14. The camera 16 captures images of animals of interest located between the camera 16 and the screen 14 and / or on the screen 14. The light source 12, screen 14 and camera 16 may be configured in various ways as long as they can capture images of animals of interest. In one example implementation, the light source 12 substantially surrounds the camera 16 when viewed from the screen 14.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the monitoring nodes may comprise a patterned surface (not shown). The patterned surface may be configured to attract animals of interest, optionally at least partly by reflection of electromagnetic radiation from the patterned surface. The reflection from the patterned surface imparts a corresponding pattern to the reflected electromagnetic radiation. The patterned surface may operate particularly effectively during daytime and furthermore may allow animals of interest to be attracted to a monitoring node even when the monitoring node does not have an illumination device associated with it or when an illumination device of the monitoring node is switched off or in a low power mode involving little or no illumination from the illumination device. The patterned surface may comprise a pattern and / or shape simulating the appearance of one or more flowers. The patterned surface may be two-dimensional (i.e., substantially flat or planar) or three-dimensional (i.e., having at least a portion that is non-planar).

[0040] In some configurations, the patterned surface is configured to emit an odour for attracting animals. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the monitoring nodes may be configured to emit an odour for attracting animals separately from any patterned surface and / or where a patterned surface is not present. In cases where the odour emission is provided in combination with a patterned surface, the patterned surface may define a pattern of regions having different odour-emitting characteristics. The pattern of regions may include at least one region that is configured to emit substantially no odour and / or two or more regions configured to emit different odours.

[0041] Alternatively of additionally, the sensing system 8 of each of one or more of the monitoring nodes may be configured to obtain measurement data that further includes captured acoustic signals. The sensing system 8 may be configured such that the captured acoustic signals can include acoustic signals generated by animals of interest (e.g., by selecting and / or adjusting the wavelength dependent sensitivity of the sensing system 8 to be suitable for detecting acoustic signals expected to be generated by target animals of interest and / or optionally filtering out other unwanted acoustic signals). The sensing system 8 of each node 4 is selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes. A user and / or a controller of the monitoring system 2 may thus select between the plurality of different sensing modes for the node 4. The monitoring system 2 can switch between operating the node 4 in one of the sensing modes and operating the node 4 in a different one of the sensing modes. The controller may comprise any suitable combination of hardware, firmware and / or software for performing the control. Hardware for implementing the controller may be located at one of the nodes 4, distributed between two or more of the nodes 4, or elsewhere. The controller may be implemented by the data processing system that is configured to analyse images captured by the plurality of nodes 4, such as at a remote data processing unit 15 of the data processing system.

[0042] The monitoring system 2 is configured to select a sensing mode of one of the monitoring nodes 4 based on measurement data obtained by another of the monitoring nodes 4. In the example of Figure 1, for example, the monitoring system 2 may be configured to select a sensing mode at node 4A based on measurement data obtained by node 4B and / or measurement data obtained by node 4C.

[0043] In one class of implementation, the monitoring system 2 is configured to select the sensing mode of one node 4 based on a level of animal activity indicated in the measurement data obtained by another monitoring node 4. The sensing mode may be selected for example based on whether a metric representing the level of animal activity exceeds a predetermined threshold and / or is between two predetermined thresholds. The metric representing the level of animal activity may be based on a number of animals present in one or more images captured by the sensing system 8. The animals that are taken into account for the metric may be all animals (i.e., no selectivity) or may include only a subset of animal types, or even only a single animal type. The metric may, for example, be based on an average number (e.g., mean, median or mode) of animals present in a plurality of images. The monitoring system 2 may be configured to recognise animals and / or distinguish between different types of animals by analysing captured images. The analysis may use a trained machine learning model or any other technique that is capable of recognising animals in an image, counting animals in an image and / or classifying animals in an image. The plurality of sensing modes may comprise sensing modes having different power consumptions.

[0044] The sensing modes having different power consumptions may comprise at least one sensing mode in which capturing of images is suspended and / or in which illumination of the target zone 12 is suspended. Thus, each node 4A-4C may be selectively switched into a state that uses very low power or no power. The monitoring system 2 may be configured to select such a state when the monitoring system 2 determines that a higher power sensing mode would be unlikely to provide useful measurement data.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the sensing modes having different power consumptions may comprise sensing modes in which the capturing of images is performed with different sampling rates. Higher sampling rates will typically require higher power consumption and vice versa. Sensing modes in which the capturing of images is performed with different sampling rates may, for example, comprise at least a high sampling rate mode in which a sampling rate is higher than 60 images per hour, optionally higher than 120 images per hour, and a low sampling rate mode in which a sampling rate is lower than the sampling rate of the high sampling rate mode, optionally lower than 12 images per day, optionally lower than 6 images per day. Higher sampling rates may be selected for example in response to detection of a large influx of migratory insects, which may occur for example as a result of atmospheric wind patterns favouring such influxes (e.g., strong winds from the south).

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the sensing modes having different power consumptions may comprise sensing modes in which sizes of the illuminated target zones 12 are different. Larger illuminated target zones 12 will typically require higher power consumption and vice versa. Sensing modes in which sizes of the illuminated target zones 12 are different may, for example, comprise two or more sensing modes in which the illuminated target zones 12 have substantially the same shape but a power output is different, resulting in the intensity of light falling below the minimum threshold for effective animal attraction at different distances from the illumination device 6. For example, the target zones 12 for different sensing modes may be circular in plan view with radii that differ in proportion to differing power outputs (higher power outputs corresponding to larger radii and vice versa). Alternatively, the target zones 12 for different power outputs may have different shapes, for example with lower power modes being associated with target zones 12 that are constrained to a narrower range of angles in plan view than higher power modes.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the sensing modes having different power consumptions may comprise one or more of the following: at least one sensing mode in which capturing of acoustic signals is suspended; sensing modes in which capturing of acoustic signals is performed with different sampling rates; and sensing modes in which capturing of acoustic signals is performed with different sensitivities.

[0048] The monitoring system 2 may be configured to switch a monitoring node 4 to a sensing mode having a lower power consumption in response to measurement data obtained by another monitoring node 4 indicating the presence of a disruption event at the other monitoring node 4. A disruption event may comprise any event that significantly disrupts animal behaviour, such as by causing animals to temporarily cease flight and / or shelter, such that measurement data is likely to be of lower quality than in the absence of the disruption event. The disruption event may for example comprise an adverse weather event such as high winds or heavy rain. Alternatively or additionally, a disruption event may comprise the presence of humans, human activity, or noise or artificial light caused by humans, in the target zone or near the target zone. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring system 2 may be configured to switch a monitoring node 4 to a sensing mode having a lower power consumption in response to external data obtained by the monitoring node 4 or another monitoring node 4 indicating the presence of a disruption event at the monitoring node 4 or the other monitoring node 4. The external data may be provided for example via a connection to the internet. The external data may comprise weather information obtained from the internet.

[0049] In some implementations, the monitoring system 2 is configured to switch a monitoring node 4 to a sensing mode having a lower power consumption in response to detection of a low energy state of a power source of the monitoring node 4. The monitoring node 4 may, for example, comprise one or more batteries as a power source and the low energy state may comprise the one or more batteries having a charging state that is lower than a predetermined percentage level, such as lower than 20%, lower than 15%, lower than 10%, or lower than 5%. This may be referred to as a low battery state. In some implementations, the monitoring system 2 is configured to switch one of the monitoring nodes 4 of the plurality of monitoring nodes 4 to a sensing mode having a higher power consumption in response to another monitoring node 4 being switched to a sensing mode having a lower power consumption, for example due to a detected low energy state of a power source at that monitoring node 4. A monitoring node 4 may therefore compensate, at least partially, for another monitoring node 4 collecting less measurement data or no measurement data due to factors such as low battery level.

[0050] In some implementations, the monitoring system 2 is configured to switch a monitoring node 4 of the plurality of monitoring nodes 4 to a sensing mode having a higher power consumption in response to the measurement data obtained by another of the monitoring nodes 4 indicating an increase in animal activity at the other monitoring node 4 and / or that a level of animal activity is higher than a predetermined activity threshold at the other monitoring node 4. The level of animal activity may be represented in any of the ways described above, such as via a metric based on a number of animals present in one or more images captured by the sensing system 8 of the other monitoring nodes 4. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring system 2 may be configured to switch a monitoring node 4 of the plurality of monitoring nodes 4 to a sensing mode having a higher power consumption in response to the measurement data obtained by another of the monitoring nodes 4 indicating the presence of a species of interest (which also be referred to as an animal of interest or a priority animal) at the other monitoring node 4 and / or the presence of the species of interest at a level that is higher than a predetermined level at the other monitoring node 4 and / or the presence of a particular combination of species of interest at the other monitoring node 4 and / or the presence of the particular combination of species of interest being higher than a predetermined level at the other monitoring node 4.

[0051] In some implementations, the illumination device 6 of a node 4 is configured to be controllable by the sensing system 8 to change a size, shape and / or orientation of the illuminated target zone 12. In such implementations, the plurality of sensing modes may comprise sensing modes having illuminated target zones 12 of different size, shape and / or orientation. The different sizes, shapes and / or orientations may include any of the combinations described above with reference to Figures 3-9.

[0052] In one class of implementation, the monitoring system 2 is configured to switch one of the monitoring nodes 4 of the plurality of monitoring nodes 4 to a sensing mode in which the target zone 12 extends further towards a selected one of the other monitoring nodes 4 in response to the measurement data from the selected one of the other monitoring nodes 4 indicating an increase in animal activity at that monitoring node 4 and / or a level of animal activity that is higher than a predetermined activity threshold at that monitoring node 4. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring system 2 may be configured to switch one of the monitoring nodes 4 of the plurality of monitoring nodes 4 to a sensing mode in which the target zone 12 extends further towards a selected one of the other monitoring nodes 4 in response to the measurement data from the selected one of the other monitoring nodes 4 indicating the presence of a species of interest (which also be referred to as an animal of interest or a priority animal) at the other monitoring node 4 and / or the presence of the species of interest at a level that is higher than a predetermined level at the other monitoring node 4 and / or the presence of a particular combination of species of interest at the other monitoring node 4 and / or the presence of the particular combination of species of interest being higher than a predetermined level at the other monitoring node 4.

[0053] The extending of the illuminated target zone 10 further towards the selected one of the other monitoring nodes 4A-4C may be performed at least partly by increasing a size of the illuminated target zone 12, for example by increasing a power output of the illumination device 6. Alternatively or additionally, the extending of the illuminated target zone 12 further towards the selected one of the other monitoring nodes 4 may be performed at least partly by changing a shape and / or orientation of the illuminated target zone 4.

[0054] Embodiments of the disclosure are further defined by the following numbered clauses.

[0055] 1. A biodiversity monitoring system comprising: a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node comprising: an illumination device for illuminating a target zone with electromagnetic radiation for attracting animals; and a sensing system configured to obtain measurement data including captured images in or adjacent to the illuminated target zone, the sensing system selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes, wherein the monitoring system is configured to select a sensing mode of one of the monitoring nodes based on measurement data obtained by another of the monitoring nodes.

[0056] 2. The monitoring system of clause 1, wherein the monitoring system is configured to select the sensing mode based on a level of animal activity, and / or whether a species of interest is present, indicated in the measurement data obtained by the other monitoring node.

[0057] 3. The monitoring system of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of sensing modes comprise sensing modes having different power consumptions.

[0058] 4. The monitoring system of clause 3, wherein the sensing modes having different power consumptions comprise at least one sensing mode in which capturing of images is suspended and / or in which illumination of the target zone is suspended.

[0059] 5. The monitoring system of clause 3 or 4, wherein the sensing modes having different power consumptions comprise one or more of the following: sensing modes in which the capturing of images is performed with different sampling rates; and sensing modes in which sizes of the illuminated target zones are different.

[0060] 6. The monitoring system of clause 4 or 5, wherein the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode having a lower power consumption in response to the measurement data obtained by the other monitoring node indicating the presence of a disruption event at the other monitoring node.

[0061] 7. The monitoring system of clause 6, wherein the disruption event comprises an adverse weather event.

[0062] 8. The monitoring system of any of clauses 4-7, wherein the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode having a lower power consumption in response to detection of a low energy state of a power source of the monitoring node.

[0063] 9. The monitoring system of any of clauses 4-8, wherein the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode having a higher power consumption in response to the measurement data obtained by the other monitoring node indicating one or more of the following: the presence of a species of interest at the other monitoring node; an increase in animal activity at the other monitoring node; and that a level of animal activity is higher than a predetermined activity threshold at the other monitoring node.

[0064] 10. The monitoring system of any of clauses 4-9, wherein the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode having a higher power consumption in response to another monitoring node being switched to a sensing mode having a lower power consumption.

[0065] 11. The monitoring system of any preceding clause, wherein the illumination device is configured to illuminate a target zone asymmetrically in plan view, optionally through a range of angles less than 360°.

[0066] 12. The monitoring system of any preceding clause, wherein the illumination device of each of two or more of the plurality of monitoring nodes is configured to be controllable by the sensing system to change a size, shape and / or orientation of the illuminated target zone of the monitoring node.

[0067] 13. The monitoring system of clause 12, wherein the plurality of sensing modes comprise sensing modes having illuminated target zones of different size, shape and / or orientation.

[0068] 14. A biodiversity monitoring system comprising: a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node comprising: an illumination device for illuminating a target zone with electromagnetic radiation for attracting animals; and a sensing system configured to obtain measurement data including captured images in or adjacent to the illuminated target zone, the sensing system selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes, wherein: the illumination device of each of two or more of the plurality of monitoring nodes is configured to be controllable by the sensing system to change a size, shape and / or orientation of the illuminated target zone of the monitoring node; and the plurality of sensing modes comprise sensing modes having illuminated target zones of different size, shape and / or orientation.

[0069] 15. The monitoring system of clause 13 or 14, wherein the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode in which the target zone extends further towards a selected one of the other monitoring nodes in response to the measurement data from the selected one of the other monitoring nodes indicating one or more of the following: the presence of a species of interest at the other monitoring node; an increase in animal activity at the other monitoring node; and that a level of animal activity is higher than a predetermined activity threshold at the other monitoring node.

[0070] 16. The monitoring system of clause 15, wherein the extending of the illuminated target zone further towards the selected one of the other monitoring nodes is performed at least partly by increasing a size of the illuminated target zone.

[0071] 17. The monitoring system of clause 15 or 16, wherein the extending of the illuminated target zone further towards the selected one of the other monitoring nodes is performed at least partly by changing a shape and / or orientation of the illuminated target zone.

[0072] 18. The monitoring system of any preceding clause, comprising: a data processing system configured to analyse images captured by the plurality of monitoring nodes to obtain information about animals present at the plurality of monitoring nodes.

[0073] 19. The monitoring system of clause 18, wherein the data processing system comprises at least one data processing unit located remotely from the plurality of monitoring nodes.

[0074] 20. The monitoring system of clause 18 or 19, wherein the information about animals present at the plurality of monitoring nodes comprises one or more of the following: information relating to a concentration of animals at each of the monitoring nodes; and information relating to a distribution of types of animal present at each of the monitoring nodes.

[0075] 21. The monitoring system of any preceding clause, wherein the illumination device is configured to emit radiation comprising UV radiation and / or visible radiation.

[0076] 22. The monitoring system of any preceding clause, wherein each of the monitoring nodes is configured to be separated from each of the other monitoring nodes by at least 25 metres. 23. The monitoring system of any preceding clause, wherein the monitoring nodes are configured to communicate wirelessly with each other.

[0077] 24. The monitoring system of any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the monitoring nodes is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote data processing unit.

[0078] 25. A method of monitoring biodiversity, comprising: providing a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node comprising: an illumination device for illuminating a target zone with electromagnetic radiation for attracting animals; and a sensing system configured to obtain measurement data including captured images in or adjacent to the illuminated target zone, the sensing system selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes; and selecting a sensing mode of one of the monitoring nodes based on measurement data obtained by another of the monitoring nodes.

[0079] 26. A method of monitoring biodiversity, comprising: providing a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node comprising: an illumination device for illuminating a target zone with electromagnetic radiation for attracting animals; and a sensing system configured to obtain measurement data including captured images in or adjacent to the illuminated target zone, the sensing system selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes having illuminated target zones of different size, shape and / or orientation; and changing the sensing mode for each of two or more of the plurality of monitoring nodes by controlling the respective illumination device to change a size, shape and / or orientation of the illuminated target zone of the monitoring node.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A biodiversity monitoring system comprising: a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node comprising a sensing system configured to obtain measurement data including captured images in or adjacent to an illuminated target zone, the sensing system selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes, wherein the monitoring system is configured to select a sensing mode of one of the monitoring nodes based on measurement data obtained by another of the monitoring nodes.

2. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring system is configured to select the sensing mode based on a level of animal activity, and / or whether a species of interest is present, indicated in the measurement data obtained by the other monitoring node.

3. The monitoring system of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of sensing modes comprise sensing modes having different power consumptions.

4. The monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the sensing modes having different power consumptions comprise at least one sensing mode in which capturing of images is suspended and / or in which illumination of the target zone by an illumination device of the respective monitoring node is suspended.

5. The monitoring system of claim 3 or 4, wherein the sensing modes having different power consumptions comprise one or more of the following: sensing modes in which the capturing of images is performed with different sampling rates; and sensing modes in which sizes of the illuminated target zones are different.

6. The monitoring system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode having a lower power consumption in response to the measurement data obtained by the other monitoring node indicating the presence of a disruption event at the other monitoring node.

7. The monitoring system of claim 6, wherein the disruption event comprises an adverse weather event.

8. The monitoring system of any of claims 4-7, wherein the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode having a lower power consumption in response to detection of a low energy state of a power source of the monitoring node.

9. The monitoring system of any of claims 4-8, wherein the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode having a higher power consumption in response to the measurement data obtained by the other monitoring node indicating one or more of the following: the presence of a species of interest at the other monitoring node; an increase in animal activity at the other monitoring node; and that a level of animal activity is higher than a predetermined activity threshold at the other monitoring node.

10. The monitoring system of any of claims 4-9, wherein the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode having a higher power consumption in response to another monitoring node being switched to a sensing mode having a lower power consumption.

11. The monitoring system of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the monitoring nodes comprises a patterned surface configured for attracting animals.

12. The monitoring system of claim 11, wherein the patterned surface is configured toattract animals at least partly by reflection of electromagnetic radiation from the patterned surface.

13. The monitoring system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the patterned surface comprises a pattern and / or shape simulating the appearance of one or more flowers.

14. The monitoring system of any of claims 11-13, wherein the patterned surface is configured to emit an odour for attracting animals.

15. The monitoring system of claim 14, wherein the patterned surface defines a pattern of regions having different odour-emitting characteristics, optionally including at least one region that is configured to emit substantially no odour and / or two or more regions configured to emit different odours.

16. The monitoring system of any preceding claim, wherein each monitoring node further comprises an illumination device for illuminating the target zone with electromagnetic radiation for attracting animals.

17. The monitoring system of any preceding claim, wherein the illumination device is configured to illuminate a target zone asymmetrically in plan view, optionally through a range of angles less than 360°.

18. The monitoring system of any preceding claim, wherein the illumination device of each of two or more of the plurality of monitoring nodes is configured to be controllable by the sensing system to change a size, shape and / or orientation of the illuminated target zone of the monitoring node.

19. The monitoring system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of sensing modes comprise sensing modes having illuminated target zones of different size, shape and / or orientation.

20. The monitoring system of any of claims 16-19, wherein the illumination device is configured to emit radiation comprising UV radiation and / or visible radiation.

21. A biodiversity monitoring system comprising: a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node comprising: an illumination device for illuminating a target zone with electromagnetic radiation for attracting animals; and a sensing system configured to obtain measurement data including captured images in or adjacent to the illuminated target zone, the sensing system selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes, wherein: the illumination device of each of two or more of the plurality of monitoring nodes is configured to be controllable by the sensing system to change a size, shape and / or orientation of the illuminated target zone of the monitoring node; and the plurality of sensing modes comprise sensing modes having illuminated target zones of different size, shape and / or orientation.

22. The monitoring system of claim 20 or 21, wherein the monitoring system is configured to switch the monitoring node to a sensing mode in which the target zone extends further towards a selected one of the other monitoring nodes in response to the measurement data from the selected one of the other monitoring nodes indicating one or more of the following: the presence of a species of interest at the other monitoring node; an increase in animal activity at the other monitoring node; and that a level of animal activity is higher than a predetermined activity threshold at the other monitoring node.

23. The monitoring system of claim 22, wherein the extending of the illuminated target zone further towards the selected one of the other monitoring nodes is performed at least partly by increasing a size of the illuminated target zone.

24. The monitoring system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the extending of the illuminated target zone further towards the selected one of the other monitoring nodes is performed at least partly by changing a shape and / or orientation of the illuminated target zone.

25. The monitoring system of any preceding claim, comprising: a data processing system configured to analyse images captured by the plurality of monitoring nodes to obtain information about animals present at the plurality of monitoring nodes.

26. The monitoring system of claim 25, wherein the data processing system comprises at least one data processing unit located remotely from the plurality of monitoring nodes.

27. The monitoring system of claim 25 or 26, wherein the information about animals present at the plurality of monitoring nodes comprises one or more of the following: information relating to a concentration of animals at each of the monitoring nodes; and information relating to a distribution of types of animal present at each of the monitoring nodes.

28. The monitoring system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the monitoring nodes is configured to be separated from each of the other monitoring nodes by at least 25 metres.

29. The monitoring system of any preceding claim, wherein the monitoring nodes are configured to communicate wirelessly with each other.

30. The monitoring system of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the monitoring nodes is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote data processing unit.

31. The monitoring system of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing system of eachof one or more of the monitoring nodes is configured to obtain measurement data that further includes captured acoustic signals.

32. The monitoring system of claim 31, wherein the sensing system is configured such that the captured acoustic signals can include acoustic signals generated by animals.

33. The monitoring system of claim 31 or 32, wherein: the plurality of sensing modes comprise sensing modes having different power consumptions; and the sensing modes having different power consumptions comprise one or more of the following: at least one sensing mode in which capturing of acoustic signals is suspended; sensing modes in which capturing of acoustic signals is performed with different sampling rates; and sensing modes in which capturing of acoustic signals is performed with different sensitivities.

34. A method of monitoring biodiversity, comprising: providing a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node comprising a sensing system configured to obtain measurement data including captured images in or adjacent to an illuminated target zone, the sensing system selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes; and selecting a sensing mode of one of the monitoring nodes based on measurement data obtained by another of the monitoring nodes.

35. A method of monitoring biodiversity, comprising: providing a plurality of monitoring nodes, each monitoring node comprising: an illumination device for illuminating a target zone with electromagnetic radiation for attracting animals; and a sensing system configured to obtain measurement data including captured images in or adjacent to the illuminated target zone, the sensing system selectively operable in a plurality of different sensing modes having illuminated targetzones of different size, shape and / or orientation; and changing the sensing mode for each of two or more of the plurality of monitoring nodes by controlling the respective illumination device to change a size, shape and / or orientation of the illuminated target zone of the monitoring node.

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