As the New Yorker reports, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington has paired two primates with one another after using a gorilla mate-finding algorithm.
Although the algorithm was first developed in the late 80s, it has been perfected over the years to help ensure that matches will want to mate. The algorithm's "calculations are based on age, experience, socialization skills, lineage, genetics, and, especially, personal chemistry" -- with compatibility ranked on a scale of one to six. When a pairing has a ranking of one, it means that their genes are more rare, whereas those closer to a six have more common genes.
With this data, gorillas are paired with their best match so that they can mate and increase the population and diversity of a species that is critically endangered.
Image Credit: Connor Mallon / Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Gorilla Mate-finding Algorithms
- Develop algorithms that consider age, experience, socialization skills and genetics to ensure compatibility and increase the chances of mating within endangered gorilla population.
- Data-driven Animal Conservation
- Use digital technology to collect and analyze data on endangered animals to enable more effective conservation efforts and promote biodiversity.
- Scientific Matchmaking
- Develop similar algorithms to pair other endangered species together to offset the risk of inbreeding and promote genetic diversity.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Zoos and Wildlife Reserves
- Develop algorithms to determine which animals should be paired to find suitable mates with the goal of increasing the endangered animal population in a controlled environment.
- Data Science and Analytics
- Utilize digital technology to collect and analyze data on endangered animals to provide insights and enable effective conservation strategies.
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Develop advanced technologies to manipulate genes and propagate species, potentially enabling the restoration of severely endangered species back into their natural habitats.
