TrailGuard AI: Revolutionizing Anti-Poaching Efforts in Wildlife Conservation

Context: Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha has implemented an AI-powered anti-poaching surveillance system called TrailGuard AI.

About TrailerGuard AI

• It is an AI-powered surveillance system designed to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade by providing real-time monitoring in protected forests.
• It is designed by Nightjar Technologies.
• It is currently deployed in 5 states across 14 locations, including Kanha Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) and Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh).

Key Features of TrailGuard AI

• Compact and Durable Design: Unique two-part design:
  • Camera unit (size of a pen) & Battery/communication unit (size of a notepad).
  • This spread-out design makes it less noticeable and harder to steal.
• Long Battery Life: Operates for 6 months to 1 year without needing a battery replacement.
• Affordable Cost: Costs ₹50,000-₹53,000 per unit, making it cheaper than other live transmission technologies.

Working Mechanism of TrailGuard

• Motion Detection: AI-powered cameras stay in low-power mode and activate upon detecting movement.
• Object Recognition: An integrated AI chip processes the image and classifies it as an ‘animal,’ ‘human,’ or ‘vehicle.’
• Real-Time Alerts: If a potential threat is identified, the camera transmits the image to a control room within 40 seconds.
• Swift Communication: Officials quickly relay information through WhatsApp and Very High Frequency (VHF) radio to deploy forest rangers.
• Poacher Identification & Action: Intelligence teams analyze images, confirm identities, conduct house raids and proceed with legal action.

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