Ramnagar: To curb the Human-wildlife conflicts in the state, a pilot project has been started in Corbett Tiger Reserve under which artificial technology will be used to monitor the movement of wildlife when they venture out of the forest to human settlement areas.
AI to send message when tigers, leopards and elephants leave forest
This AI technology will alert as soon as the tiger steps out of the forest. In this, an AI virtual wall will be created to capture the picture of the animal and send it to an AI-equipped server in the forest department. According to Saket Badola, director, Corbett Tiger Reserve, “This technology was first used in Maharashtra to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts but in Uttarakhand, it needs some modifications due to different types of vegetation and wildlife species.” Furthermore, “The work of monitoring the movement of wildlife using AI technology and modern camera traps has been started in the populated areas adjacent to the forest” he added.
Forest official to combine technology with old methods
According to the concerned forest officials, “If the experiment is successful, the department will use this technology at other sensitive places as well.” The forest department has now started moving towards technology along with the old methods. It is the first time the forest department has started using AI to mitigate wildlife conflicts.
These cameras can send photos via the internet immediately after capturing them
Chief Forest Conservator Wildlife Sameer Sinha has announced the implementation of AI technology and modern camera traps to monitor wildlife movement in areas adjacent to forests. New camera traps have been installed at two locations in Corbett Tiger Reserve. Previously, camera traps required manual retrieval of photo data from memory chips. However, the new cameras feature longer battery life, enhanced memory, and SIM and internet support. These cameras can send photos via the internet immediately after capturing them, though their effectiveness is limited to areas with internet connectivity.
How will this technique work?
Corbett Tiger Reserve’s director, Saket Badola, explains that the new camera traps will send photos directly to their server. AI technology will then identify the wildlife, capture its photo, and send an immediate alert. This system will provide timely information about wildlife moving towards populated areas. Upon receiving the alert, both villagers and the forest department’s quick response team can be notified right away, helping to reduce incidents.
Last year 66 people died in wildlife attacks
In Uttarakhand, wildlife attacks result in numerous fatalities and injuries each year. In 2022, 82 people lost their lives and 325 were injured in such incidents. In 2023, the numbers were slightly lower, with 66 deaths and 325 injuries. Up until July of this year, 29 people have died and 148 have been injured due to wildlife attacks.