BioBoosters: Web application to aid the conservation of the Quedas do Iguaçu Ecological Station through species identification and the teaching-learning process

• Leticia Rebelatto Costa IFPR
• Jéssica Manfrin IFPR
• Rayssa Mariana Silva Santana IFPR

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/latinoware.2024.245708

Abstract

The Atlantic Forest is home to approximately 2,500 vertebrates and 20,000 plant species, both with high levels of endemism. Understanding the region’s species is essential for preserving vegetation, which currently represents only 12 to 24% of its original territory. One way to protect and conserve its biodiversity is by establishing it as Conservation Units (UCs). The Quedas do Iguaçu Ecological Station (ESEC) is a UC aimed at protecting a section of the Atlantic Forest in the municipality of the same name. Despite the importance of the ESEC, there has yet to be an inventory of the species present there, a crucial aspect to ensure effective conservation policies. Furthermore, the local population is unaware of the ESEC's existence, and one way to bring it closer to the community is by presenting it dynamically in schools. This study aims to develop an informative, interactive, and educational application as a learning tool through species identification by students at IFPR Quedas do Iguaçu. The web application will feature sections dedicated to information on the Atlantic Forest, species richness, identification records, contact with specialists, and curiosities. Species identification will be conducted using TensorFlow models, and additional technologies will be used in the development of the web application. This project seeks to raise awareness among students to assist in biodiversity conservation in the region and monitor the occurrence of species already described for the Atlantic Forest.

Keywords: Education, Fauna, Flora, Atlantic Forest, Conservation Unit

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