The Karnataka Forest Department is rolling out AI-enabled cameras and thermal drones to deliver real-time alerts as part of a new, technology-driven initiative to combat the rise in human-wildlife conflicts across the State. Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre, addressing the media in Kollegal, stated that data indicate shrinking forest areas even as wildlife numbers continue to grow.
He stressed on the fact that the situation necessitates technological solutions alongside a commitment to coexist with wildlife. He provided context on the habitat crunch: a male tiger requires a minimum of 14 sq km, while a female needs 8 to 10 sq km. "Bandipur has 190 tigers but only 950 sq km of forest. Wildlife numbers exceed the available habitat, so coexistence is the only solution," he said.
Khandre emphasised that enhanced patrolling and greater public awareness in forest-fringe villages are essential for conflict reduction. The Forest Department has already established Command and Control Centres in Nagarahole, MM Hills, Kali and Madikeri.
New centres will soon be operational in Chikkamagaluru, Bannerghatta National Park, Mysuru Division, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, BRT Tiger Reserve, and Hassan. A state-level command centre in Bengaluru is expected to be inaugurated following the Assembly session.
These centres will utilise the AI-powered cameras and thermal drones to map and track wildlife movement. Critically, villages will receive immediate alerts when animals are detected near human settlements, help prevent injuries and loss of life.
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Manoj Rajan confirmed that the system tracks the patrolling activities of frontline staff. Furthermore, it will send timely alerts to villagers through WhatsApp and other media platforms when wildlife is in close proximity.
Minister Khandre has instructed officials to closely monitor on-foot patrolling by frontline staff. He mandated the use of the newly developed e-Patrolling (e-Gasthu) software and requested feedback for its refinement. The Minister underscored the vital role of patrolling in reducing human-wildlife conflict and called for the new e-Patrolling software to be implemented alongside the existing M-STRiPES system in tiger reserves.
Separately, the Telangana Forest Department recently launched a tiger protection cell that will also employ technology to ensure the safety of both tigers and humans. The cell will monitor tigers and human movement using solar-powered CCTV cameras linked to the protection cell, beginning with the regional centres in the Amrabad and Kawal tiger reserves.
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