Scottish Scientist captures wild orangutans on video while mapping forests from space

A pioneering Scottish company is at the forefront of the race to save remote forests
and endangered apes - by mapping trees from space.

Edinburgh-based Space Intelligence uses different types of satellite images
combined with artificial intelligence and ecological expertise to create detailed maps
with insights about tropical forests.

These data are used to monitor change, helping conservationists prevent
deforestation and reduce carbon emitted into the atmosphere.

The work also protects the habitats of species like orangutans, as seen first hand by
Space Intelligence chief executive Dr Murray Collins while working in Northern
Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser National Park

Dr Collins said: “It really was a defining moment for me. I had only ever seen
orangutans in a conservation setting, so to witness orangutans as they should be in
their natural habitat was a real privilege. It underlined to me what’s at stake and why
it's so important to develop sophisticated technology in the fight against climate
change.”

Dr Collins has spent his career working to help save the rainforest, measuring
thousands of trees and setting camera traps in remote areas, before moving into
monitoring trees from space.