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Connected tech aims to protect rhinos from poaching | Connected tech aims to protect rhinos from poaching |
(3 days later) | |
New technology to combat rhino poaching is being trialled in South Africa. | New technology to combat rhino poaching is being trialled in South Africa. |
In a tie-up between South African technology firm Dimension Data and networking giant Cisco, the technology will track vehicles and people entering the reserve rather than animals. | In a tie-up between South African technology firm Dimension Data and networking giant Cisco, the technology will track vehicles and people entering the reserve rather than animals. |
There are only about 25,000 rhinos left in the wild, with the majority in South Africa. | There are only about 25,000 rhinos left in the wild, with the majority in South Africa. |
It is estimated that about 1,000 are killed each year, primarily for their horn. | It is estimated that about 1,000 are killed each year, primarily for their horn. |
The firms have set up a local area network and wi-fi hotspots around the private, unnamed reserve, which is adjacent to the Kruger national park. | The firms have set up a local area network and wi-fi hotspots around the private, unnamed reserve, which is adjacent to the Kruger national park. |
The next stage will be to link CCTV and infra-red cameras with thermal imaging, drones and vehicle tracking sensors to the network. | The next stage will be to link CCTV and infra-red cameras with thermal imaging, drones and vehicle tracking sensors to the network. |
Tracking sensors are placed on vehicles and people are informed about the tracking when they enter the reserve. Car registrations are also checked at the gate against a national database of stolen cars and personal IDs are scrutinised. | Tracking sensors are placed on vehicles and people are informed about the tracking when they enter the reserve. Car registrations are also checked at the gate against a national database of stolen cars and personal IDs are scrutinised. |
The plan is to replicate it in other reserves, not just to protect rhinos but other endangered species including elephants, lions and tigers. | |
Microchips | Microchips |
Drones have been used before to help conservation efforts and last year British scientists from the University of St Andrews showed off a system dubbed Protect Rapid (real-time anti-poaching intelligence device) that combined a satellite collar with a heart-rate monitor and video cameras that are embedded in rhinos' horns. | |
The heart-rate monitor triggers the alarm and rangers are immediately dispatched. | The heart-rate monitor triggers the alarm and rangers are immediately dispatched. |
There are other schemes to place microchips under the skin of the animals. | There are other schemes to place microchips under the skin of the animals. |
One of the key advantages of the new system is that it is non-invasive, said Dimension Data executive Bruce Watson. | One of the key advantages of the new system is that it is non-invasive, said Dimension Data executive Bruce Watson. |
"We don't touch the animals by darting them with tranquilisers to insert sensors into their horns, or insert a chip under their skin. This can be extremely stressful and risky for the animal and we've seen a number of rhinos either dying, or going blind, and having to be euthanised." | "We don't touch the animals by darting them with tranquilisers to insert sensors into their horns, or insert a chip under their skin. This can be extremely stressful and risky for the animal and we've seen a number of rhinos either dying, or going blind, and having to be euthanised." |
Dr Paul Glover-Kapfer, the World Wildlife Fund's technology adviser, told the BBC that technology was "an increasing factor" in WWF's global work. | Dr Paul Glover-Kapfer, the World Wildlife Fund's technology adviser, told the BBC that technology was "an increasing factor" in WWF's global work. |
"The system outlined by Cisco and Data Dimensions, whilst not a panacea, is a welcome addition on this front." | "The system outlined by Cisco and Data Dimensions, whilst not a panacea, is a welcome addition on this front." |
But he questioned how applicable it would be "outside of well-funded protected areas". | But he questioned how applicable it would be "outside of well-funded protected areas". |
"To be truly transformative, technology needs to be accessible, both in terms of its technical complexity and affordability. | "To be truly transformative, technology needs to be accessible, both in terms of its technical complexity and affordability. |
"Connectivity in particular is a huge challenge facing many conservation organisations, and WWF is working with technology leaders to design systems for real-time data transfer to and from the remote areas within which we work." |
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