PoacherCam
The PoacherCam is the first motion-triggered wildlife detection system that has the ability to distinguish between people and animals. Now onto its seventh iteration since 2008, the current version, released in 2019, is more compact, harbours a quick processor for rapid image analysis, and is WiFi and bluetooth enabled for remote use. Utilizing infrared flash, the PoacherCam captures human activities using an AI algorithm and sends geo-tagged images to law enforcement officials. This transmission process is instantaneous through wireless networks, helping officials identify, capture, and later prosecute in an efficient manner. The camera trap was designed to curb the poaching of big cats, and is currently deployed in tiger and lion conservation ranges across India, Nepal, Malaysia, Benin, and Thailand. Unfortunately, the field test rollout was not as successful as Panthera had hoped, and did not intercept any poachers. The difficulty with implementation in remote locations is lack of cellular networks to transmit data and images in real time. To curb this, the PoacherCams are set to be placed strategically throughout designated areas, nearest to cell phone towers or entries with high poacher activity. PoacherCam provides eyes on the ground; with the ability to identify suspicious human activity, more time and resources can be devoted towards tracking down confirmed activity rather than wondering if there was any in the first place.
Wong, W. M., & Kachel, S. (2016). Camera trapping: Advancing the technology. In Snow Leopards (pp. 383-394). Academic Press.
See also:
(n.d.). PoacherCam: Panthera. Retrieved from https://www.panthera.org/conservation-technology/poachercam
Categories
Artificial Intelligence, Biodiversity, Illegal Resource Extraction, Internet of Things, Lifestyle, Monitoring, Regulation, Visual Technologies
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