In an innovative initiative launched in Latin America, the collaboration of experts in the animal care, technology, science and media sectors has come up with a new solution for earthquake early warning and public safety. Entitled ‘Animal Alerts’, the project brings the first earthquake warning system based on the behavior of dogs, which have a keen sensitivity to this type of natural event.
Launched by the company PetPace, one of the sector leaders in animal health monitoring in the world, the action begins in Lima, Peru, a seismic zone due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, recognized as the most tectonically active area of the world. Using a smart collar, health data from different dogs is being collected and analyzed in real time to correlate with earthquakes, thus enabling the development of a system that alerts residents in advance through different media channels.
“Many systematic studies demonstrate that animals generally behave differently before earthquakes. Using technology and artificial intelligence, Animal Alerts allows us, for the first time, to collect reproducible physiological data in real time, which can help predict short-term earthquake risk,” highlights Dr. Rachel Grant, ecologist behaviorist and senior lecturer at London South Bank University.
According to Rachel, dogs are particularly useful models of this phenomenon due to their heightened senses and proximity to humans.
Combining nature and technology
Designed to ensure pet comfort, the PetPace smart collar collects vital health information through its non-invasive, electrodeless sensors. Data such as pulse, temperature and respiration are recorded in real time and, based on parameters and AI algorithms developed by the company’s scientific team, the dog’s stress level is determined. When multiple dogs in various locations in Lima show an anomalous increase in stress level at the same time, it could be an indication of an impending earthquake.
“There is an urgent need for innovative approaches to alerting the public before an earthquake, especially since Lima’s infrastructure is extremely vulnerable to seismic activity. Therefore, early and timely warning from Animal Alerts can help save countless lives”, points out Carlos Guardia Brown, disaster risk management specialist at Techo Peru.
According to Dr. Asaf Dagan, chief scientist and co-founder of PetPace, PetPace is focused on continuously monitoring dogs’ physiological and behavioral data to ensure their well-being, and that the same data can be leveraged with the aim of protecting the communities.
Empowerment through the media
For effective earthquake warning, Animal Alerts has partnered with players such as Mediaplus Group and Reset Media to broadcast these alerts through geolocated messages on digital billboards, web, mobile and radio. With the support of several animal nutrition experts in Lima, retail actions also call for more volunteers to participate in the program, indicating the portal animal-alerts.org for more information and how to participate.
The creation of the project was carried out in partnership with the Serviceplan Group, one of the main independent agency networks in the world, based in Munich (Germany), and also with L&C, an agency with offices in Lima and New York. Other partners include players such as Eat, Sleep + Design and Astral Kreativ.
“This initiative not only showcases an innovative use of technology, but also emphasizes the deep connection between humans and their pets, leveraging this bond to protect the community,” comments Alex Schill, creative director at Serviceplan Group. “For those who grew up in a country like Peru, where seismic activity is constant, this idea becomes a really valuable tool”, adds Rolando Cordova, Creative Director at L&C.
Follow Adnews on Instagram e LinkedIn.
#ADDSomethingNew #ADNewsOficial #ADGroupBR
