Latest, cutting edge technologies are not just transforming urban lives, they are also proving instrumental in conserving wildlife. Some such technologies include thermal imaging, digital data monitoring tourist flow, biometrics, closed circuit TV cameras, and IoT. Advanced communication methods are also being used to establish connection of rangers with various devices.
Technology Brings About Dramatic Reduction in Poaching
Take for example a pilot project, entailing such technologies, in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Sometime back, poachers posed a serious threat to the existence and proliferation of wild beasts there. However, things changed for the better with the rollout of Connected Conservation in 2015. A company called Dimension Data along with CISCO ushered it. Under the program, sensors were outfitted in the fence line of the park. Those coupled with solid Wi-Fi network helped keep a tab on any form of suspicious movements. The result – within two years rhino poaching dropped by a drastic 96% in the sanctuary. Buoyed by its success, similar initiatives were rolled out in Zambia, Kenya, and Mozambique.
Next-gen Technologies to Further Support Wildlife Conservation
In fact, over the years, nations across the world have initiated wildlife conservation programs. Now they are taking it to the next level. To that end, they are adopting next-generation technologies that do not in any way interfere with the animals movements or habitats. They help monitor from a safe distance. Take for example satellite imaging. WWF, short for World Wildlife Fund, leveraged satellite image provider Google Earth to successfully save tigers in Sumatra. Now it’s banking upon it to find more about endangered species. Even drones can be of help in this direction. These are just a few of the transforming effects of technology for preserving wildlife. As they evolve further, more heart-warming news is in the offing.
