In a groundbreaking use of technology to protect wildlife, Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer and wildlife enthusiast Susanta Nanda shared images on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), showcasing intruders captured by AI-enabled cameras at the Similipal Tiger Reserve. These advanced cameras, recently installed by the Odisha government in various protected areas, are designed to monitor forest fires, wildlife movement, and the activities of poachers.
Mr. Nanda’s post detailed the swift action taken after the AI system flagged the presence of intruders at 11:30 am. “AI-enabled camera sends the real-time picture at 11:30 am. The intruders are apprehended in the next few minutes. Securing Similipal Tiger Reserve,” he wrote, accompanied by photos of the two apprehended men. The swift response and use of AI in conservation efforts received widespread praise from internet users.
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The AI cameras are part of a broader initiative to harness technology for forest management. These systems are not only adept at identifying unusual human activities but are also crucial in detecting forest fires. The cameras pinpoint fire locations in real time, enabling prompt action from forest personnel to mitigate potential damage.
Similipal National Park, located in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, spans 2,750 square kilometers and is renowned for its rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems. It was designated a tiger reserve in 1956 and became part of Project Tiger in 1973. In June 1994, the park was declared a biosphere reserve by the Government of India, a status that was further endorsed by UNESCO in May 2009 due to its ecological significance.
AI enabled camera sends the real time picture at 11.30am. The intruders are apprehended in next few minutes.
— Susanta Nanda (@susantananda3) May 20, 2024
Securing Simlipal Tiger Reserve 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/rnivfn2b5h
At Similipal Tiger Reserve, the silent guardianship of AI cameras ensures that every trespasser is met with the unwavering gaze of technology, securing not just the sanctuary’s boundaries, but the very heart of wildlife conservation in Odisha, India.
The park’s diverse habitats include tropical semi-evergreen forests, tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous hill forests, high-level sal forests, and expansive meadows. It is home to a wide array of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and gaur, as well as numerous bird species, King cobras, orchids, and medicinal plants.
This initiative highlights Odisha’s commitment to using innovative technology to enhance conservation efforts and protect its valuable natural heritage. The successful apprehension of the intruders at Similipal underscores the effectiveness of AI in real-time wildlife protection, setting a precedent for similar efforts across other protected areas in India.
