Hierarchical image classification using transfer learning to improve deep learning model performance for amazon parrots.

Numerous studies have proven the potential of deep learning models for classifying wildlife. Such models can reduce the workload of experts by automating species classification to monitor wild populations and global trade. Although deep learning models typically perform better with more input data, the available wildlife data are ordinarily limited, specifically for rare or endangered species. Recently, citizen science programs have helped accumulate valuable wildlife data, but such data is still not enough to achieve the best performance of deep learning models compared to benchmark datasets. Recent studies have applied the hierarchical classification of a given wildlife dataset to improve model performance and classification accuracy. This study applied hierarchical classification by transfer learning for classifying Amazon parrot species. Specifically, a hierarchy was built based on diagnostic morphological features. Upon evaluating model performance, the hierarchical model outperformed the non-hierarchical model in detecting and classifying Amazon parrots. Notably, the hierarchical model achieved the mean Average Precision (mAP) of 0.944, surpassing the mAP of 0.908 achieved by the non-hierarchical model. Moreover, the hierarchical model improved classification accuracy between morphologically similar species. The outcomes of this study may facilitate the monitoring of wild populations and the global trade of Amazon parrots for conservation purposes.