Category
AI and Software Solutions for Biodiversity
We develop AI and software solutions for biodiversity that transform how species are identified, monitored, and protected.
By combining artificial intelligence with ecological expertise, we create innovative digital tools that support
conservation, research, and education.
Our technology processes large sets of image, sound, and occurrence data to deliver reliable and scalable recognition systems
for wildlife and habitats. These AI-powered biodiversity tools provide crucial insights for scientists, NGOs, and citizens worldwide.
Through close collaboration with leading NGOs, research institutions, and national parks, Sunbird Images delivers
AI-driven platforms that make biodiversity data accessible and actionable. With over a decade of experience in developing intelligent systems
for nature conservation, we are proud to pioneer the interface between technology and ecology.
We invite you to explore how our AI and software solutions for biodiversity empower scientists, educators, and citizens
to better understand and protect the natural world.
Explore Related Projects
Learn more about our Citizen Science Apps and our Species Identification Keys.
SUNBIRD APPS
PilzSnap – AI for Fungal Species Identification
Mushroom hunting is a popular activity across all ages. Every autumn, people enjoy hiking through colourful forests, equipped with a basket to collect mushrooms for a delicious meal or as a side dish for game dishes. However, many mushroom species are very small or unsuitable for consumption, and only a few are both edible and safe to collect.
To give less experienced mushroom enthusiasts an introduction to this fascinating and culinary pastime, Sunbird Images has developed PilzSnap — an innovative app powered by AI and software solutions for biodiversity. It features automatic image recognition and includes all significant poisonous and first-quality edible mushrooms.
PilzSnap demonstrates how artificial intelligence can assist in species identification and nature education, while reminding users that no algorithm can replace the expertise of an experienced mycologist. Optical recognition cannot detect essential features such as scent or microscopic structures, which remain the domain of human specialists.
The app was developed by biologists with over 30 years of experience in mushroom identification, combining deep scientific knowledge with cutting-edge AI technology to support safe and informed mushroom foraging.
AI-Based Automatic Image Recognition
PilzSnap features an AI-based automatic image recognition system.
For safety reasons and to reduce the possibility of confusion, a hybrid solution was implemented: users first select a mushroom category before starting the recognition process.
This approach allows separate neural networks to be trained for each category, resulting in significantly improved accuracy and reliability.
Challenges in Developing a Reliable
AI Mushroom Guide
Creating the perfect digital mushroom guide powered by AI presented several challenges. The system had to:
Outperform existing mushroom guide apps on the market
Handle photos taken from above that do not show key traits below the cap, such as gills
Sunbird’s Innovative AI Solution
To overcome these challenges, Sunbird Images implemented several innovative strategies:
Preselection of visually distinctive categories to ensure accurate classification even from top-down photos
Grouping of species according to their hazard level to minimise the risk of confusion
Development of AI models using the latest technologies in cooperation with a high-tech research centre in Israel
Training with over 500,000 expert-verified images carefully identified by professional mycologists
Detection and Safety Features
PilzSnap can automatically detect all important mushroom species, displaying the results as a list of images.
To improve safety, this list uses traffic light colours to indicate the edibility of each species:
green for edible, yellow for inedible, and red for poisonous mushrooms.
In addition, the app automatically records location, time, and GPS coordinates, allowing users to find the same mushroom spots on future walks or in subsequent years.
Comprehensive Species Information
Beyond automatic identification, PilzSnap provides extensive scientific information about each mushroom species.
Each profile includes multiple high-quality images, descriptions of morphological features, spore colour, distribution, and ecology.
The app also highlights possible confusions with similar species and clearly states edibility and toxicity.
An additional function allows users to view visually similar species for comparison.
03
Optional Mushroom Lexicon
As an optional in-app purchase, users can access a comprehensive mushroom lexicon.
This feature allows browsing through a rich collection of mushroom species and stunning images independently of the recognition function,
making PilzSnap both a practical tool and an educational resource for nature enthusiasts and mushroom lovers.
Download PilzSnap
Discover mushrooms with the help of artificial intelligence.
PilzSnap is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Download the app now and experience how AI and software solutions for biodiversity can make mushroom identification easy, educational, and safe.
