Kerala To Install AI Alert System At These Forests To Prevent Human-Elephant Conflicts

In a major move to prevent human-elephant conflict along forest fringes, the Kerala Forest Department has partnered with Tata Motors for a new initiative. The project will implement an AI-enabled real-time elephant intrusion alert system. The system will provide real-time alerts on an elephant’s presence and movement at Chalakudy and Thekkady. Here is everything you need to know about it.

AI System Aims To Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict In Kerala

According to a report by The Hindu, the elephant intrusion alert system is aimed at preventing human-elephant conflict. It is part of ‘Mission Real-Time Monitoring’, one of the 12 missions formulated by the state government. These missions focus on human-wildlife conflict mitigation. Reportedly, the Kerala Forest Department has been exploring the use of advanced technologies to address these issues. 

In partnership with Tata Motors, the AI-based system will provide real-time alerts on not just an elephant’s presence, but also its movement in Chalakudy and Thekkady . A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising the collaboration was signed recently. Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G. Krishnan and Tata Motors General Manager and Head of Biodiversity, Naveen Pandey, were the signatories.

Also Read: AI Warning Systems Installed In Manjri Wadi Village To Prevent Human-Leopard Conflicts In Pune

How The AI Alert System Works

Want to know how the system works? According to a report by The Hindu, it integrates AI-enabled cameras with on-site video analytics. These cameras can detect elephant movement and generate real-time alerts. The alerts will be transmitted using LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) connectivity. Moreover, this also addresses the challenge of limited cellular coverage in deep forest areas. 

The long-range connectivity enables early detection, timely alerts, and a coordinated response by field staff and local response teams. The pilot project also involved the development of custom-designed poles. These poles are used to mount the cameras and power supply systems. Plus, the modular design allows the team to dismantle the system easily and redeploy it at new locations based on emerging conflict situations.

If the pilot phase proves successful, the department plans to introduce the AI system statewide across several conflict-prone forest divisions. The project also aims to detect and monitor other wild animal species in the future.

Also Read: Viral Video Leaves Netizens Stunned By THIS Spotless Kerala Railway Station, “Not A Single Piece Of Trash!”

This is definitely an amazing initiative by the Kerala Forest Department. What do you think about it? Do share your views with us.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Stephanie Perera (Representative Image)