TytoTech: Digital monitoring and "smart nests" for the white-tailed deer (Tyto alba). A Nature-Based Solution for rodent control and biodiversity conservation in the agricultural ecosystems of Thessaly.
Partners
Coordinator
AMKE TYTO – (GR)
Partners
National Centre for Research and Technology Development (CERTH) / Institute for Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology (iBO) – Greece
INNONEST – (GR)
Aim
TytoTech aims to develop and pilot a technologically integrated Nature-Based Solution, utilizing the common woodpecker (Tyto alba) as a natural predator of harmful rodents, through “smart nests” with sensors, cameras, acoustic monitoring and cloud-based data analysis. The project aims to reduce the use of chemical rodenticides, protect biodiversity and support sustainable agriculture in Thessaly.
Project Activities
The TytoTech project is organized into five (5) basic Work Units, which cover the entire implementation chain: from the analysis of the existing situation and the selection of pilot sites, to the development of "smart nests", digital monitoring, ecological/technological assessment and the dissemination of results.
Analysis of the current situation and selection of pilot sites
The first section focuses on the inventory of the existing network of artificial nests of Tyto in the Region of Thessaly and the selection of suitable areas for the pilot implementation of the project. The main activities include the collection and analysis of data from 9 Municipalities, mapping of rodent problems, on-site assessment of the condition of the nests, geospatial mapping and the selection of 4 representative points for the installation of the "smart nests".
Design, development and installation of “smart nests”
The second module concerns the technical design, construction and installation of the “smart nest” system. The activities include the selection and integration of microclimate sensors, infrared cameras, microphones, edge computing units, wireless data transmission systems and energy autonomy. Within the framework of the module, 4 pilot “smart nests” are installed in selected areas and tests of operation, durability and energy autonomy are carried out.
Digital monitoring, analysis and data processing
The third module concerns the collection, storage, processing and visualization of data generated by the “smart nests”. The main activities include recording video, audio and environmental parameters, data storage, secure transmission to a central infrastructure, development of a cloud-based platform, creation of interactive maps, display of time series and indicators, as well as the use of algorithms for the automatic recognition of behavioral patterns, species and events.
Ecological and technological evaluation of the operation of the “smart nests”
The fourth module evaluates the effectiveness of the solution from both an ecological and technological point of view. It includes monitoring of the feeding behavior and reproduction of Tyto alba, analysis of the relationship between nest use and changes in rodent populations, evaluation of the contribution of the solution to biodiversity and natural rodent control, as well as a technical evaluation of the reliability, durability and efficiency of the equipment. The module leads to biodiversity indicators and suggestions for improving the system.
Dissemination, exploitation and participation of local communities
The fifth module concerns the communication, dissemination and exploitation of the project results, as well as the active involvement of local communities. The activities include the organization of information events and demonstrations in the intervention areas, the production of printed and digital information material, good practice guides, videos and posts on social media, awareness-raising actions for farmers, citizens and local bodies, as well as the preparation of a plan for the exploitation and commercial development of the solution. The project results are also planned to be presented through scientific publications and conferences.
