Kerala to Launch NeophyteID App for Invasive Plant Detection

Kerala is set to introduce a new digital tool to tackle the growing threat of invasive plant species with the launch of NeophyteID, an AI-powered mobile application. The app will be formally launched at the Kerala Science Congress by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, marking a significant step towards citizen-led biodiversity monitoring in the state.

AI-Driven Tool for Biodiversity Protection

NeophyteID has been developed by researchers at the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences. The application uses artificial intelligence to identify invasive or non-native plant species, known as neophytes, across Kerala. Powered by the YOLOv11 machine learning model, the app relies on image recognition and geospatial tracking to detect invasive plants directly through a smartphone camera or uploaded images.

Real-Time Mapping and Citizen Participation

Each successful identification made through the app contributes to a real-time distribution map of invasive plant species. This data supports scientific research, conservation planning, and community-based biodiversity management. Designed to be user-friendly, the app is available in both English and Malayalam, enabling participation from students, local communities, and amateur naturalists alongside trained ecologists.

Origins of the NeophyteID Initiative

According to developer N Aleem Yoosuf, the idea emerged during an interaction with indigenous tribal communities at Sughandagiri Tribal Eco Village in Wayanad. During an invasive plant removal drive, participants unintentionally uprooted native species along with invasive ones, highlighting the urgent need for accurate identification tools. The web-based version of the application was developed with support from Zameel Hassan, under the guidance of scientist-in-charge N S Pradeep.

Important Facts for Exams

• Invasive species are non-native organisms that threaten local ecosystems.
• Citizen science plays a growing role in biodiversity monitoring.
• Kerala has high ecological sensitivity due to the Western Ghats.
• Use of AI in environmental governance is expanding in India.

Scope and Future Potential of the App

Currently, NeophyteID has been trained with data on nearly 98 invasive plant species found in Kerala. Users can identify plants in their surroundings, including home gardens, and take informed action to remove invasive species without harming native flora. Researchers believe the app will strengthen early detection, reduce ecological damage, and enhance long-term conservation outcomes by integrating technology with grassroots participation.