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Tech Meets Wildlife: How AI is Saving Elephants in Tamil Nadu

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Rithani

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7 min read

24 Nov, 2024

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In a groundbreaking initiative, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has implemented an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based early warning system to mitigate human-elephant conflicts and prevent train accidents involving elephants.


This innovative approach, the first of its kind in India, is currently operational in the Hosur Forest Division and aims to safeguard both wildlife and humans during the elephant migration season, which lasts from October to January.


The AI system monitors wild elephants in real time, displaying alerts on large screens installed along the Chennai-Bengaluru highway.


This technology has been deployed in the Javalagiri and Denkanikottai forest ranges, areas that see frequent human-elephant interactions as around 200-250 elephants migrate from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu each year.


Image Source: Unsplash


To enhance surveillance, particularly during nighttime, drones equipped with thermal cameras have been introduced.


These tools assist in tracking elephant movements and issuing timely warnings, significantly reducing risks.


The Forest Department plans to expand the initiative to the Dharmapuri forest ranges within the Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary, a region that includes Palacode, Pennagaram, and Hogenakkal, which are hotspots for human-wildlife conflicts.


Previously, efforts relied on Anti-Depredation Squads, but monitoring wildlife at night proved challenging.


Image Source: Pixabay


The integration of AI and machine learning has addressed this issue, offering advanced monitoring capabilities and enabling proactive measures to protect both humans and elephants.


Additionally, AI-enabled surveillance systems have been installed near railway tracks, particularly along the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border in Coimbatore district.


These systems, already in operation on the forested railway stretch between Walayar and Ettimadai, have detected over 150 instances of wild elephants crossing tracks.


Image Source: Pexels


By generating real-time alerts, forest staff can intervene to drive elephants away, and train drivers can slow down to avoid collisions.


The Tamil Nadu Forest Department’s adoption of AI technology marks a significant advancement in wildlife conservation, showcasing a model that could be replicated across India to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and protect endangered species.


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