Bhubaneswar: In a bold victory for wildlife conservation, the Similipal Tiger Reserve has demonstrated the power of technology by thwarting a major poaching attempt. PCCF & HOFF Dr. K. Murugesan has hailed the action as a turning point for forest management in Odisha.
Under the cover of darkness, a group of 22 armed villagers entered the sanctuary’s core area, but their presence was instantly picked up by the reserve’s invisible defensive line: the Focus AI cameras. This real-time detection triggered a swift mobilization of the forest force, leading to a 24-hour operation that resulted in the surrender of all 22 individuals along with a cache of nine guns and several bows and arrows.
The success of this operation lies in the seamless integration of the TrailGuard AI system within the rugged terrain of Similipal. These advanced cameras remain in a dormant, low-power mode to conserve battery life until they detect movement. Unlike traditional camera traps that require manual data retrieval, these units utilize edge computing to instantly analyze images. Within 30 to 40 seconds of a human or vehicle being identified, the system transmits an encrypted alert to the central control room and directly to the mobile devices of field rangers.
The utility of these cameras extends beyond just catching poachers in the act. They have become a primary tool for biodiversity protection by providing a constant digital eye over thousands of square kilometers. By identifying individuals in real-time, the forest department can conduct proactive interceptions before any wildlife is harmed, leading to a massive increase in the effectiveness of patrols.
Under the leadership of PCCF & HOFF, Dr.K Murugesan, the AI network is being expanded not only to stop hunters but also to provide early warnings for forest fires and monitor the movement of flagship species like the rare melanistic Bengal tigers.
This technological shield ensures that threats are met with an immediate, data-driven response, effectively turning the vast wilderness of Similipal into a high-security zone for its wildlife.