How Fake AI Animal Videos Harm Real Wildlife

An AI video of bunnies jumping on a trampoline went viral. Image: rachelthecatlovers via TikTok

It's a familiar scene late at night, scrolling through social media, when you stumble upon a truly unbelievable video. Maybe it's a massive leopard being chased off by a brave house cat protecting a toddler. For a moment, you're amazed. But then, a nagging doubt surfaces: is this even real?

As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, the line between reality and fiction blurs, creating videos so realistic it's nearly impossible to tell them apart. While this might seem like harmless fun, scientists are raising serious concerns about the impact on wildlife conservation and our relationship with the natural world.

Why Fake Animal Videos Are a Real Problem

A recent study in Conservation Biology delved into how viral, AI-generated wildlife content on social media can be problematic. Researchers identified three primary issues: spreading misperceptions about animal behavior, encouraging anthropomorphism (giving animals human-like qualities), and creating a wider gap between people and nature.

José Guerrero Casado, a study co-author and zoologist, explains the danger of this misinformation. He points to fake videos where birds kill "evil" snakes. "Some users comment in favour of this outcome, but what implications does this have for snake conservation?" he notes. If public opinion turns against certain animals based on fake videos, real-world conservation funding and support can be undermined.

Distorting Our Connection to the Wild

These AI creations can also give a false sense of security about the population of endangered or vulnerable species, further disconnecting us from the real challenges wildlife faces. The impact on children is particularly concerning. Fabricated videos of bunnies and bears playing together on a trampoline can set unrealistic expectations for interacting with nature.

Rocío Serrano, another researcher on the study, points out that when children learn that real animals don't behave like their fictional counterparts, "it has the opposite effect in terms of connection." This disillusionment can harm genuine curiosity about the natural world. Furthermore, the trend of portraying exotic animals as friendly pets can fuel the dangerous and often illegal exotic pet trade.

To combat this, the research team advocates for better media literacy and environmental education in schools to help children understand the reality of local wildlife from a young age.

Your Guide to Spotting AI Fakes

So, how can you become a more discerning viewer? While some fakes are obvious, others require a closer look. Pay attention to the overall video quality and length, look for garbled or nonsensical text, and check for strange-looking details like hands or paws.

Siwei Lyu, a computer engineer at the University of Buffalo, offers expert advice. "Watch for unnatural movements—animals may move too smoothly or in ways that defy physics," Lyu says. "Lighting inconsistencies are another clue: shadows and reflections often don’t match the environment. Finally, look closely at fine details like fur or feathers; AI models sometimes blur textures or repeat patterns unnaturally."