Mammals in the Digital Age: From Tracks to Algorithms—Experts, Technological Innovations, and AI for Wildlife Conservation

"M’ammalia," Mammals Week, is an initiative to promote the understanding and conservation of mammals, coordinated by the Italian Theriological Association in collaboration with the National Association of Science Museums.

The theme of this 18th edition, to be held from October 23 to November 8, 2026, explores the hidden side of theriological research, technological innovation, new research communities, and coexistence with mammals under the title “Mammals 4.0: Behind the Scenes of Research.”

Once again this year, the University Museums Center is participating in the initiative with the event “Mammals in the Digital Age: From Traces to Algorithms—Professionals, Technological Innovations, and AI for Wildlife Conservation, offering the audience an opportunity to discuss the contribution of new technologies to the understanding, management, and conservation of mammals.
The free event, with a clear educational and outreach focus, is primarily aimed at the general public, schools, and university students.

The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. with opening remarks by Professor Piergiulio Cappelletti, Director of the Center for Natural and Physical Science Museums, and Professor Olga Mangoni, Coordinator of the Natural Sciences Degree Programs at the University of Naples Federico II. Professor Domenico Fulgione of the Department of Biology at the University of Naples Federico II will introduce the proceedings.

At 10:45 a.m., Professor Danilo Russo of the Department of Agriculture at the University of Naples Federico II – AnEcoEvo, will present a talk titled “From Spallanzani to AI – Studying Bats Today,” dedicated to the evolution of bat research methodologies, from the earliest scientific observations to the most recent applications of artificial intelligence.

This will be followed, at 11:15 a.m., by a presentation by Dr. Giulian Capasso of the Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement (CAPE) at the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, titled “Multiparametric Tagging for Studying the Diving Behavior of Large Cetaceans,” focusing on new technologies used to monitor and understand the behavior of large cetaceans during dives.

At 11:45 a.m., Dr. Gabriele de Filippo of the Institute for Wildlife Management (IGF) in Naples will present “Monitoring Mammals with AI (and Beyond...)”, dedicated to the use of artificial intelligence and other innovative methodologies in the monitoring of mammals.

The session will be moderated by Dr. Roberta Improta, Technical Director of the Federico II Zoological Museum.

Mammals are a fundamental component of ecosystems and, thanks to their sensitivity to environmental changes, serve as valuable indicators of ongoing shifts. Observing their presence, distribution, and behavior allows us to better understand the effects of human activities, habitat fragmentation, and climate change, helping us interpret the health of the territory and envision new management and conservation scenarios.

Today, the study of wildlife is undergoing a profound evolution. Traditional field activities—from tracking to direct monitoring—are now complemented by camera traps, acoustic sensors, satellite systems, genetic analysis, and digital tools capable of collecting ever-increasing amounts of data. Artificial intelligence enables the rapid and precise analysis of this information, recognizing species, sounds, and behaviors, and helping to identify threats, trends, and priorities for action. Technology, however, does not replace human experience: it expands its possibilities and makes the role of professionals, researchers, and field workers committed to wildlife conservation even more important.
The initiative aims to guide a diverse audience on a journey that begins with the tracks left on the ground and leads to algorithms, bringing together natural history knowledge, professional expertise, and technological innovation. It will be an opportunity to reflect on the key role of mammals, learn about the most advanced tools used to monitor them, and understand the opportunities, limitations, and prospects of artificial intelligence applied to conservation.

Spreading accurate and accessible knowledge about mammals means providing everyone with useful tools to interpret the present and consciously participate in shaping the future. Only through dialogue among science, institutions, professionals, local communities, and citizens will it be possible to develop effective strategies for coexistence, prevent conflicts, and protect biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems.

The event is sponsored by Federico II Natural Sciences, the ATIt (Italian Theriological Association), the ARDEA non-profit association, AnCoEvo (Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Evolution), and Guardie Zoofile (Noetaa Naples Group I).