Historically, when looking for a solution to technical problems
in the modern world, we have turned to nature for inspiration. In
recent years, elephant trunks have been used as models in the
development of robotic arms, the fins of humpback whales have been
studied to improve the design of wind turbines and famously the
shape of the Japanese high speed bullet trains were based on the
beak of kingfishers. However, with nearly one quarter of all
species presently at risk of extinction in the coming decades, how
are we returning the favour? Taking inspiration from this
year's World Wildlife Day theme of "Sustaining All Life on
Earth", we have taken a look at some inventions developed to
help with the protection and conservation of our wildlife.
