Technology and Innovation in Animal Conservation
The Animal Care Organization (TACO)
The Animal Care Organization by Anil Agarwal Foundation
Apart from habitat loss due to deforestation, one of the biggest challenges faced by wildlife is poaching - the illegal trade of high-value body parts like tusks, horns and more. The increasing instances of human-animal conflict and habitat degradation highlight the need for a more effective monitoring system to safeguard animals and preserve their habitats.
Surveillance plays a crucial role there, as it can keep poaching activities under check and protect animals.
To safeguard our wildlife, TACO has deployed surveillance vehicles in Ranthambore National Park to track animal movements and their interactions with humans. These can cover greater distances, making it easier to track animals across vast areas. These are very effective in any emergency case and support rehabilitating injured animals. The vehicles also aid in identifying potential threats in the region and reducing poaching and illegal logging.
Technological innovations are also fast emerging as invaluable tools in the preservation of wildlife. Combining innovations like GPS tracking collars, drones and AI-powered cameras in wildlife conservation efforts can help combat threats to animals and allow conservationists to monitor wildlife in real time. It can enable a deeper understanding of animal behaviour, migration patterns, and ecological dynamics.
But do you all know why all the monitoring is necessary? Monitoring provides crucial insights into the health and well-being of various species. By tracking animal population and their behaviour, threats, including climate change impacts like wildfires and human-wildlife conflicts, can be mitigated. It helps understand their health, their population, and their migration routes. This knowledge is crucial for protecting endangered species, managing resources wisely, and ensuring the well-being of wildlife. Understanding wildlife movements can also help identify the right strategies for their conservation.
The integration of technological innovations in wildlife conservation signifies a promising future for the protection of our planet's biodiversity. Continuous investment in technology can foster harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.