How is AI being used to combat wildlife trafficking?

The IELTS Reading section is an essential part of the examination, requiring candidates to read passages and answer questions to assess their comprehension and interpretation skills. Topics on wildlife trafficking have become increasingly prevalent due to their importance and relevance in contemporary environmental issues. Analyzing how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being employed to combat wildlife trafficking can be of significant interest due to its interdisciplinary nature, bridging technology and biology. Given the rising concern over endangered species and the impact of poaching, this subject is likely to appear in future IELTS exams.

IELTS Reading Practice Test: How is AI being used to combat wildlife trafficking?

Text (Medium Level)

Wildlife trafficking is a global crisis, threatening biodiversity and leading to the decline of numerous species. To address this issue, innovative solutions using Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been developed. AI is deployed in various ways to combat wildlife trafficking, including image recognition, predictive analytics, and social media monitoring.

Firstly, image recognition technology is employed to identify illegal wildlife products at customs checkpoints. By analyzing thousands of images, AI can distinguish between legal and illegal items with remarkable accuracy. An example of this is the use of AI at airports to scan passenger luggage for contraband, significantly improving detection rates.

ai-scanning-luggage-airport|ai-luggage-scanning|An AI system scanning luggage for illegal wildlife products at an airport security checkpoint. The AI is highlighting a suspicious suitcase in red.

Secondly, predictive analytics helps in preempting trafficking activities. AI systems analyze patterns of transactions, movements, and communications to predict and intercept illegal activities before they occur. These systems utilize vast datasets, including historical trafficking data and real-time information, to anticipate and mitigate crime.

Moreover, social media platforms, which are often used by traffickers to promote and sell endangered species, are monitored by AI. Advanced algorithms can detect and flag content related to illegal wildlife trade, leading to timely interventions by authorities. AI not only identifies illegal posts but also tracks and dismantles trafficking networks, making it harder for these operations to continue undisrupted.

The synergy of AI with traditional conservation methods could be pivotal in preserving wildlife. Conservationists are optimistic about the role AI can play, not only in combating trafficking but also in monitoring endangered species and managing habitats. Successful collaborations between tech companies and wildlife organizations have already shown promising results, with AI-driven insights leading to more effective enforcement and conservation strategies.

As AI technology continues to advance, its applications in fighting wildlife trafficking are expected to become even more sophisticated. The integration of AI in wildlife protection efforts signifies a landmark shift towards a tech-driven approach to conservation, offering a glimmer of hope for the future of endangered species.

Questions

1. Multiple Choice: What is one use of image recognition technology mentioned in the passage?
   A. To track social media posts
   B. To identify illegal wildlife products at customs
   C. To analyze historical trafficking data
   D. To monitor endangered species in their habitats

2. True/False/Not Given: Image recognition technology used at airports is less accurate than traditional methods.

3. Matching Information: Match the three uses of AI with the respective benefits:

   • Image recognition
   • Predictive analytics
   • Social media monitoring

   i. Predicts and intercepts trafficking activities
   ii. Scans passenger luggage for contraband
   iii. Flags illegal posts and dismantles trafficking networks

4. Short Answer Questions: What are the datasets used by predictive analytics to preempt trafficking activities?

5. Summary Completion: Complete the summary using the list of words provided:

   • flagged
   • datasets
   • legal
   • collaborations
   • anticipate

   AI systems utilize various (1) __ to (2) __ trafficking activities. Social media platforms are (3) __ for illegal content, which leads to more effective (4) __ between tech companies and wildlife organizations.

Answer Key and Explanations

1. Multiple Choice:
   B. To identify illegal wildlife products at customs
   Explanation: The passage clearly mentions that AI is used at customs checkpoints to identify illegal products, such as at airports where passenger luggage is scanned for contraband items.

2. True/False/Not Given:
   False
   Explanation: The text states that using AI at airports significantly improves detection rates, implying it is more accurate than traditional methods.

3. Matching Information:

   • Image recognition: ii. Scans passenger luggage for contraband
   • Predictive analytics: i. Predicts and intercepts trafficking activities
   • Social media monitoring: iii. Flags illegal posts and dismantles trafficking networks
     Explanation: Each use of AI mentioned directly corresponds with these benefits.

4. Short Answer Questions:
   Historical trafficking data and real-time information
   Explanation: The passage specifies that these datasets are utilized by AI systems to predict and intercept illegal activities.

5. Summary Completion:

   1. datasets
   2. anticipate
   3. flagged
   4. collaborations
      Explanation: The words properly fill in the gaps to maintain the original meaning, indicating the use of datasets to anticipate trafficking, flagging illegal content, and fostering effective collaborations.

Common Mistakes

Some common mistakes often made when attempting such questions include:

• Misinterpreting the information given, especially in True/False/Not Given questions.
• Overlooking specific details that distinguish between similar information.
• Not thoroughly understanding the relationship between keywords and their context within the passage.

Key Vocabulary

• Trafficking (n): The act of buying and selling something illegally. /ˈtræfɪkɪŋ/
• Contraband (n): Goods that have been imported or exported illegally. /ˈkɒntrəbænd/
• Interception (n): The action of stopping something from reaching its intended destination. /ˌɪntərˈsɛpʃən/
• Dismantle (v): To take apart a machine or structure to make it inoperative. /dɪsˈmæntl/
• Synergy (n): Interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. /ˈsɪnədʒi/

Important Grammar Points

• Relative Clauses: “which are often used by traffickers to promote and sell endangered species, are monitored”
  • Used to provide additional information about a noun.
  • Example: “The platforms, which are often used by traffickers, are monitored by AI.”
• Passive Voice: “AI is deployed in various ways to combat wildlife trafficking.”
  • Used to emphasize the action rather than the subject.
  • Example: “The illegal posts are flagged by AI.”

Tips for Scoring High on the IELTS Reading Section

• Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with various topics and question types. Regular practice will help you improve your speed and accuracy.
• Careful Reading: Pay attention to details within the passage. Misinterpretation can lead to incorrect answers.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely. Do not spend too much time on one question.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Being familiar with a wide range of academic vocabulary will help you understand the text and questions better.
• Analyze Mistakes: Learn from your errors by reviewing which types of questions you frequently get wrong and seek to understand why.

By leveraging AI in wildlife trafficking contexts, we can precisely target illegal activities, thus aiding conservationists in preserving endangered species more effectively. This synchronization of technology and conservation efforts represents a progressive step towards safeguarding our planet’s precious biodiversity.