Context: TrailGuard AI has helped wildlife officials at the Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha to arrest 96 poachers and seize more than 86 country-made guns.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts on TrailGuard AI and Similipal Tiger Reserve.
About TrailGuard AI
- TrailGuard AI is an end-to-end AI-powered camera-based alert system to enhance wildlife conservation and promote human-wildlife coexistence in remote areas.
- It autonomously detects target objects and transmits real-time alerts that can trigger rapid-response.
- The TrailGuard system comprises of two units:
- The camera unit is of size less than a pen.
- The battery/communication unit is the size of a notepad.
- Both units are connected using a two-metre long cable.
- Developed by: Nightjar Technologies, a Gurgaon-based social impact enterprise.
Key features of TrailGuard AI:
- Compact sized: TrailGuard AI is approximately the size of an index finger that can be easily camouflaged/ installed in areas of interest.
- Embedded AI: It has on-board AI that processes images to accurately identify humans, vehicles and wildlife in remote areas or areas of interest.
- Real-Time Alert: Upon detecting the target, TrailGuard AI transmits human and wildlife activities in under 30 seconds to designated devices via various networks, enabling real-time interventions. These network transmissions include GSM, long-range radio or satellite, facilitating prompt intervention by authorities.
- Extended Battery life of at least 6 months, reduces frequent maintenance and minimizes disturbance to deployment areas.
Utility- Multiple Use Cases:
TrailGuard AI can be utilised for monitoring:
- Human-wildlife conflict
- Wildlife monitoring
- Illegal logging in protected areas
- Mine security
- Border security
- Building intrusion monitoring
About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR):
- The tiger reserve is located in the Mayurbhanj District, Odisha.
- It is part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes three protected areas—Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
- It is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Kiriburu and Meghashini.
- It derives its name from the abundance of red silk cotton trees (Simul tree) growing in the area.
- STR along with a 'transitional area' of 2250 sq. km has been a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009.
- It is Asia’s second largest biosphere reserve and India’s only wild habitat for Melanistic Royal Bengal Tigers.
- Budhabalanga, Salandi and many tributaries of Baitarani river flow from the reserve.
- Major Fauna: Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, chausingha.
- The region around STR is home to various tribes including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia and Sahara.