Artificial Intelligence in Zoology: A Systematic Review of Animal Communication Studies with Implications for Pakistan

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are rapidly transforming bioacoustic research by enabling large-scale detection, classification, and preliminary interpretation of animal signals. This systematic review synthesizes recent advances in AI-enabled animal communication research across multiple taxa—including birds, cetaceans, bats, and primates—focusing on methods such as deep neural networks, sequence models, and representation learning. Key applications range from species monitoring and individual identification to behavioral inference and early steps toward semantic decoding.Following PRISMA-2020 reporting guidelines (Page et al., 2021), we review global studies and outline their relevance to Pakistan’s conservation priorities. A national framework is proposed that emphasizes (i) bioacoustic observatories and open datasets, (ii) an AI analysis stack built on open-source models, (iii) an ethics and governance layer to prevent misinterpretation, and (iv) integration with biodiversity monitoring and protected-area management. Key developments motivating this review include BirdNET for avian monitoring (Kahl et al., 2021), large-scale bioacoustics challenges (Stowell et al., 2019), sperm-whale “phonetic alphabet” research (Kershenbaum et al., 2023), and emerging dolphin-focused AI models such as DolphinGemma (Google Research, 2024). These advances, particularly in transfer learning (Morfi et al., 2023), make it feasible to extract meaningful communication patterns from smaller datasets—an essential breakthrough for data-scarce regions such as South Asia. We argue that integrating AI-assisted conservation acoustics in Pakistan could enhance monitoring of the Indus River dolphin, migratory birds along the Indus Flyway, and insectivorous bats critical to agro-ecosystems. Universities can lead by developing training programs, government agencies should embed AI monitoring into national biodiversity strategies, and NGOs can broker collaborations with international experts.