Plant ‘selfies’ will help keep an eye on wildlife

Scientists have ‘‘taught’’ plants to take selfie photographs, in a development that will make monitoring the wildlife in rainforests much easier.

The first ‘‘plant selfie’’ has been taken with the help of researchers from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), after they invented a camera activated by a small electric charge generated by the plant’s natural energy.

Earlier this year, scientists installed microbial fuel cells in ZSL London Zoo’s Rainforest Life exhibit to power a plant to take its own photo, with the ultimate aim of using plants to power camera traps and sensors in the wild.

The experiment was a success, with the plant able to take pictures of itself without further human intervention.

After spending the northern summer growing in strength, ‘‘Pete’’ – a maidenhair fern – photographs ‘‘himself’’ regularly.

Scientists will refine the trial before setting up an experiment in the wild.

The battery works because plants produce sugars through photosynthesis. These do not remain in the leaves, but are transported throughout the plant to the stem and roots, where some are excreted as waste product.

Bacteria that naturally surround the roots break down the sugars, releasing electrons and protons, which are captured by an anode and a cathode, charging the fuel cell. When the cell is full, the power is discharged and a photo is taken.

This technology is groundbreaking because it works in the shade. The batteries currently used for rainforest monitoring technology rely on solar power. It also reduces the need to replace batteries.

The fuel cells have the potential to power devices for monitoring inhospitable and remote locations for data such as temperature, humidity and plant growth, to aid understanding of climate change and habitat loss.

–Telegraph Group