A groundbreaking study utilizing AI and satellite technology has found that the number of wildebeests migrating through Kenya and Tanzania may be significantly lower than the widely accepted estimate of 1.3 million. The research, published in PNAS Nexus, indicates that the actual figure could be fewer than 600,000. This discrepancy raises questions about the reliability of traditional aerial surveys, which have been the standard for decades. The study's lead author, Isla Duporge, noted the importance of calibrating different methods to ensure accurate population tracking, especially in light of increasing habitat loss and human activity. The research combined satellite data with deep-learning models trained on 70,000 images of wildebeests, allowing for a more comprehensive view of migration patterns. The findings underscore the necessity for enhanced monitoring techniques to protect these vital species and their ecosystems.