Southern View: February 29, 2024

4
Thursday February 29 2024
Smart devices
helping keep
a close eye on
bird numbers
• By Dylan Smits
ARTIFICIAL intelligence is
being used to learn about native
birds in Redcliffs’ Barnett Park.
A mobile bird monitor has
been recording sounds in the
park for the past two years. It
then uploads the data to an AI.
Cacophony Project manager
Matthew Hellicar said a major
accomplishment of the monitor
was discovering the presence of
little owls in the valley.
The species was introduced to
the South Island from Germany
between 1906 and 1910.
Little owl readings have been
small in number but consistent
so far, said Hellicar.
“Without the technology, what
you get is anecdotal evidence.
People might hear something at
night time,” he said.
“As soon as we know what
we’re trying to protect, we know
where to focus our efforts to
PARK RESIDENT: The little
owl’s presence in Barnett
Park was confirmed by
Cacophony’s bird monitor.
support breeding habitats.”
Invented in 2016, the so-called
‘cacophonator’ analyses bird
songs which then identifies
the species and detects sound
volume.
“It gives you a measure of the
population. It’s impossible to
tell specifically how many of
each bird you’re hearing, but it’s
a sample of the population that
DEDICATED: Cacophony Project manager Matthew Hellicar is deeply involved in
conservation efforts across Canterbury, playing a role in the Banks Peninsula Conservation
Trust and the Summit Road Society.
tells you whether the population
is doing well or not.”
The monitor will have to run
for several more years before
more accurate estimates of
population changes are made,
but the technology already gives
volunteers an idea of what birds
are in the park, said Hellicar.
There are about eight species
confirmed in the park from
native silvereyes to bellbirds and
swallows.
Silvereyes are the individual
species with the highest amount
of sounds recorded with more
than 200 confirmed readings
since the monitor was installed.
SMART DEVICES: The ‘cacophonator’ is an AI-equipped
bird audio monitor. It distinguishes between bird species
and supplies a population estimate based on the volume
of bird song. Right, cacophony’s powerful thermal camera
uses AI to make visual detections and classifications of
predators and native birds.
“And if you could just clip his nails….”
Nail Clipping for Pets - Pampering Pedicure or Torturous Trim…
As veterinarians, we often find ourselves
balancing the importance of medical
treatment with the emotional wellbeing
of our furry patients. A common
example of this delicate balance is nail
trimming.
This seemingly benign request that
can be quick and simple to perform in
a well-trained pet, can also strike fear
into the hardiest of vets and nurses,
as we realise that nail trimming can
be a significant source of stress and
anxiety for many animals making it
a challenging procedure to carry out
effectively.
Nail care is an important aspect of
pet health. When nails are kept at the
proper length, it allows our pets to move
around freely and maintain their natural
gait. Long nails can push the toes up or
to the side, changing the conformation and mechanics
of the feet and legs, they can also be more likely to
become torn or cracked. Whilst it is important to keep
our pets’ nails trimmed to prevent these problems, nail
trimming is almost never an urgent matter.
Elective procedures should be carried out in a way
that preserves the relationship between the veterinary
team and the patient. Heavy-handed restraint should
never be used as this can exacerbate the stress and
anxiety experienced by our pets. It also risks physical
injury to the animal or people handling them. For
many patients, nail trimming is or has been a traumatic
experience (for example a nail being cut to the quick,
causing pain) and this association can carry over into
other aspects of veterinary care if not handled properly.
Just as people have varying sensitivities to touch, so do
our pets. We encourage pet owners to take the time to
gradually condition their pets to accept
handling of their feet and nail trimming
at home. This can involve gentle
handling, distraction with treats, and
introducing the sensation of touch and
use of equipment that feels different
on their paws gradually. Alternative
options for keeping nails short are also
available. These include scratch boards
which dogs can be trained to use at
home.
If a pet is particularly sensitive to nail
trimming or refuses to tolerate it despite
gentle handling, we may recommend
medical treatment with anxietyreducing
medications or a degree of
sedation. Our goal is always to carry out
the procedure safely and effectively,
without causing unnecessary stress to
the animal.
At Kowhai Vet, we are committed to providing
compassionate and thoughtful care to all our
patients. We understand that even routine procedures
like nail trimming require careful consideration and
a personalised approach. Our team is dedicated
to ensuring that every pet leaves our clinic feeling
comfortable, cared for, and ready to face the world
with their best paw forward.
Consultations • Surgery & Diagnostics • Locally Owned & Operated
122 Opawa Road, Opawa, Christchurch. Ph: 03 337 5445
Visit our website: www.kowhaivet.co.nz
WE ARE OPEN:
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 6:30pm,
Saturday, 9:00am - 12:00pm