In News:

The Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha has seen a significant drop in poaching activities following the deployment of TrailGuard AI-enabled surveillance cameras. These advanced systems are helping protect both forest personnel and wildlife by providing real-time alerts and enhancing enforcement actions.

About TrailGuard AI System

• Developed by: Nightjar Technologies, Gurgaon.
• Design:
  • Two-part system: a pen-sized camera unit and a notepad-sized battery/communication unit connected via a 2-metre cable.
  • Camouflaged and compact, reducing chances of being detected or stolen.
• Operation:
  • Operates in low-power mode by default, switches to high-power mode upon sensing movement.
  • Uses on-device AI inference to identify object classes (e.g., humans, animals, vehicles).
  • Sends alerts via cellular network within 30–40 seconds to a central control room.
  • Battery life: 6 months to 1 year.
  • Cost: ?50,000–53,000 per unit.

Impact and Achievements

• Installed: 100–150 AI-enabled cameras in Similipal.
• In 10 months, led to:
  • 96 poachers arrested
  • 86+ country-made guns seized
  • 40+ arrests in December 2024 alone
• Enabled quick house raids and identifications using photographic evidence.
• Enabled one conviction within six months, with more expected.

Integrated Enforcement System

• Real-time alerts displayed on a central control room screen.
• Information shared swiftly via WhatsApp groups and VHF radio.
• Ground teams rely on human intelligence sources (including undercover staff) to identify suspects.
• Raids and arrests are executed only after 100% identity confirmation, ensuring due process.

Advantages of the System

• Enhances forest ranger safety.
• Enables targeted and proactive patrolling.
• Effective in challenging terrains with minimal maintenance.
• Also used to monitor wildlife, including profiling of tuskers.
• Functions as an anti-poaching as well as human-wildlife conflict mitigation tool.

Wider Adoption and Future Plans

• Apart from Similipal, TrailGuard AI has been deployed at:
  • Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh (20 cameras)
  • Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh (10 cameras)
  • Total: Active in 14+ sites across five states
• Planned expansion to other protected areas in Odisha.

Community Sensitivity and Tribal Engagement

• Similipal is surrounded by tribal communities, where hunting has traditional roots.
• Increased surveillance has caused concerns over restricted forest access for collecting firewood and non-timber forest products.
• The forest department is:
  • Holding awareness meetings in local languages.
  • Exploring safe and non-intrusive access solutions for villagers.
  • Ensuring that enforcement doesn’t indiscriminately impact local livelihoods.

Conservation Significance

• Demonstrates the fusion of technology with conservation.
• Aligns with India’s broader environmental goals under:
  • Project Tiger
  • National Wildlife Action Plan
  • Digital India initiatives in conservation.