AI to Detect Illegal Construction in Russian Forests

Artificial intelligence may soon help track illegal construction and timber harvesting in Russian forests, according to Alexander Panfilov, Deputy Head of the Federal Forestry Agency (Rosleskhoz), who spoke to TASS.

Panfilov said AI could also be used for forest inventory, identifying pest outbreaks, and detecting other violations. He added that integrating machine learning with modern sensing — satellite imagery, drones, ground-based towers, and aviation — would deliver the greatest impact. Experimental projects are already in motion, with results expected soon.

Earlier, the Russian company Geoscan developed an AI-powered software suite called Bor that automates forest inventory from drone imagery. Neural networks are also being used to protect forests from wildfires, poaching, natural disasters, and disease.