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TrailGuard AI
Context:
The Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha has leveraged AI-driven surveillance to combat poaching.
- The introduction of TrailGuard AI cameras, designed to detect unauthorised human movement in protected areas, has led to 96 poacher arrests and the seizure of 86 illegal firearms in the past 10 months.
The Role of AI in Anti-Poaching Efforts
- Real-Time Detection: TrailGuard AI consists of 100-150 strategically placed cameras that identify humans, animals, and vehicles in the reserve.
- Immediate Alerts: When a person enters the reserve, the system transmits an image to a control room in 30-40 seconds, allowing swift action.
- Improved Enforcement:
- Officials use undercover intelligence to verify identities before making arrests.
- House raids and surveillance data have contributed to swift convictions.
- In December 2023 alone, 40 poachers were arrested.
Technology Design
- Compact and Durable: The TrailGuard camera system is smaller and less bulky than traditional systems, which reduces the chances of theft by poachers.
- Battery Life: One of the most valuable features is the battery life of up to 6 months to 1 year, minimising the need for frequent maintenance in the challenging terrain of Similipal.
- Cost-Effective: The system costs around Rs 50,000-53,000 per unit, making it affordable for large-scale use.
Challenges and Local Community Engagement
- The system has inadvertently affected tribal communities who have historically relied on the forest for sustenance, such as collecting firewood and non-timber products.
- The forest department is in talks with local people to ensure safe access to the forest for these purposes, without hampering anti-poaching efforts.
- Regular awareness programs are being conducted with tribal communities to educate them about the importance of preventing poaching.
Wider Adoption and Future Potential
- The TrailGuard AI system has been successful not only in Similipal but also in other reserves, including Kanha Tiger Reserve and Dudhwa National Park, helping to monitor wildlife and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
- The system has been deployed in five states across 14 sites and is gradually expanding, though the developers are cautious about rapid scaling to optimise the system’s effectiveness.
- Similipal Tiger Reserve
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- Tiger Reserve: Declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1956 and brought under the Project Tiger initiative in 1973.
- Biosphere Reserve: Recognised as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2009.
- Location & Geography: Situated in Mayurbhanj District, in the northernmost part of Odisha.
- Part of the Deccan Peninsular Bio-geographic Zone, Chhotanagpur Province, and Mahanadian Region.
- Terrain: Undulating and hilly, interspersed with grasslands and wooded areas.
- Water Sources: Major rivers originating from Similipal include Budhabalanga, Salandi, and several tributaries of the Baitarani River.
- Flora Diversity: It is home to 1076 plant species, including 94 species of orchids (three of which are endemic).
- Fauna:
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- Mammals: Including the largest population of elephants in Odisha. Other significant species include Indian Bison, Sambar, Chital, Leopard, Tiger, Leopard Cat, and Giant Squirrel.
- Birds: Including Peafowl, Jungle Fowl, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and Crested Serpent Eagle.
- Reptiles: Includes species like Mugger Crocodile, Python, and King Cobra.
- Insects: A rich diversity of butterflies (164 species) and other insects.
