In great news for the fight against rhino poaching, a state-of-the-art rhino protection initiative has put AI to positive use to keep more rhinos safe!
Eastern Cape, South Africa (12 August 2024) — Since 2007, poaching has surged for several reasons despite international bans dating back to the late 70s. One reason for the surge is that criminal networks have become more and more sophisticated in their pursuit of the illicit, but unfortunately resilient rhino horn trade.
Today, the Southern White Rhino is at near threatened status with just over 10,000 individuals said to be remaining in South Africa.
Despite numerous efforts from rhino-centric activists and organisations who have done a remarkable job in raising awareness for and protecting many of our threatened rhinos, thinking outside of the box and teaming up with technological advances is becoming imperative to stopping poachers in their tracks.
Cue the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa’s (GH-CFA) Rhino Protection initiative in cooperation with Founders Lodge by Mantis that’s narrowing down the time between warning and response!
How the Rhino Protection Initiative Works
The AI-enabled rhino protection system makes use of special devices that share real-time alerts from Southern White Rhinos to ranger control rooms through optimised algorithms; keeping more of these precious animals safe.
Thanks to these clever devices, when abnormal behaviour is detected, an alert with the exact GPS location of the rhino in potential danger can be tracked. The signal is sent to a control room which allows rangers to quickly locate the rhinos and protect them at a much faster pace. Moreover, the devices are solar-powered so no blackouts can stop the ranger heroes from setting to task.
“By merging cutting-edge technology with tried-and tested wildlife protection methods, w e’re elevating the safety of rhinos within protected areas,” says Taryn Gillson, Global Humane Africa Regional Director.
Not only will the devices help rangers do their job, they also provide hugely valuable management and ecological data to the necessary teams!
The AI-enabled rhino protection system is the product of many minds and massive support including the Wilderness Foundation Africa and the Busch Gardens Conservation Fund and marks one epic way that AI is being used as a secret weapon for good.
You can learn more about the initiative here.
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