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Time of India
21-07-2025
- Time of India
AI-based cameras help nab 80% of all poachers in last 2 years: STR authorities
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Images captured by AI-based cameras have helped Similipal Tiger Reserve authorities nab 80% of poachers months after their trespassing in the last two years, while only around 20% are caught or intercepted red-handed, officials said. Similipal authorities said close to 51 poachers were arrested between April and July this year due to the AI-enabled surveillance. A total of 140 such cameras have been installed across the 2,750 sq km reserve, including the core area. "Poachers' images captured by the cameras are analysed, and they are traced with the help of intelligence inputs and days of surveillance. It's not that they are caught during the act of trespassing or poaching — many flee and are tracked down days or even months later. In some cases, older camera footage is collated and analysed," said Similipal field director Prakash Gogineni. He added, "In a recent case where seven persons were arrested for possessing two leopard hides in the Baripada division, the actual hunting had taken place years ago, but a camera image eventually led to their identification and arrest." On Monday, an AI trail-guard camera helped nab two poachers under Thakundmunda police station limits in Similipal's north division. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Want to work flexibly? Siemens Undo Wildlife personnel seized a bow, arrow, wild boar trap, sambar meat, and a bamboo platform. The poachers were identified as Fakira Chakira (44) and Kamala Dangil (21). Officials explained that the AI trail-guard is a camera-based surveillance system designed to strengthen wildlife conservation and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. "It uses artificial intelligence to detect and identify threats such as poachers, illegal loggers, or even animals entering populated areas," said a senior wildlife officer. Similipal authorities also noted that since the special anti-poaching drive began two years ago, there have been no reports of repeat offenders. The reserve is the only one in India that provides year-round rations to its 800-member protection force. Started last year, the initiative costs the forest department Rs 1.8 crore annually. Wildlife officials further said there is no longer any patch in the 2,750 sq km reserve that remains inaccessible. During the monsoon, the wildlife wing previously used special foot patrol strategies due to the impassability of forest routes. Now, the personnel continue patrolling deep forest trails — often used by poachers — on foot, aided by specialised all terrain vehicles provided to each team.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
AI cameras help nab 9 poachers in Similipal
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Authorities of Similipal Tiger Reserve arrested nine poachers on Friday and Saturday and seized six country-made guns in an intensified crackdown following the birth of three melanistic tiger cubs recently. A poacher is on the run. Similipal authorities said the intensified enforcement aims to secure the habitat by apprehending poachers and taking punitive action. AI-based cameras assisted the wildlife wing in capturing the hunters. "We arrested the poachers while they were carrying illegal weapons inside Similipal's buffer zone. The operation was launched following images captured on AI-enabled trail-guard cameras deployed in the Noto reserve forest. The nine poachers were arrested in connection with two separate cases. Late Friday night, five of them were arrested and are being questioned," said Similipal field director Prakash Gogineni. A joint team from Podadiha wildlife range and Kaptipada range conducted an early morning raid on Friday, leading to the arrest of four individuals. Three handmade guns and a significant quantity of explosives were seized from them. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo "One accomplice managed to escape during the operation," an official said. The poachers were identified as Jagannath Naik, Budhiram Sing, Kuanr Murmu and Budhiram Nayak. The names of those arrested late Friday night have not been disclosed as they are being questioned. "Four of the accused have been remanded in judicial custody. Documents are being prepared to produce the other five in court," said a wildlife officer. Officials said the accused entered the protected area to carry out poaching. "Implementation of advanced AI surveillance technology has significantly enhanced our ability to detect and prevent poaching attempts," said a senior forest official. Wildlife officials said there is not a single patch in Similipal's vast 2,750 sqkm area that is inaccessible now, thanks to technology, staff welfare and high-end vehicles. During monsoon, the wildlife wing used to deploy a separate strategy for foot patrolling as most of the routes were inhospitable. On Friday, Similipal authorities revealed the birth of three melanistic cubs, bringing their total number to nine. While three cubs are around four-five months old, six are around eight months.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Year-round rations help boost tiger force morale, curb poaching: Similipal director
Bhubaneswar: Providing rations to the 800-strong protection force throughout the year, the only reserve in the country to do so, has helped raise motivation levels and reduce poaching cases, authorities of Similipal Tiger Reserve said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Started last year, the initiative costs the forest department Rs 1.8 crore annually. "While the initiative has significantly reduced poaching, it has also improved staff attendance and morale. The protection team, comprising Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) personnel, ex-Army members and protection assistants, has shown improved commitment to their duties through the unique measure. Monthly, we spend around Rs 1,800 per personnel towards ration costs. The field personnel are able to get better nutrition, keep fatigue at bay, maintain energy and work on a timely basis. There is hardly any instance of unauthorised leave," said Similipal field director Prakash Gogineni. Authorities said Similipal used to report at least five poaching and attempted poaching cases a month, which has now dropped to one. "Apart from sincerity, loyalty and raised motivation levels of staff because of free rations, the use of technology, especially AI and infra-red cameras, introduction of all-terrain vehicles and firearms, have helped check poaching incidents," Gogineni added. Wildlife officials said there is not a single patch in the 2,750sq km area of Similipal which is inaccessible now, thanks to technology, staff welfare and high-end vehicles. In monsoon, the wildlife wing used to deploy a separate strategy for foot patrolling as most of the forest routes were inhospitable. Now, the situation has changed. "In all the anti-poaching and STPF camps, there are cooks and mess leaders who plan the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now An experienced staffer among them does the cooking. They stock up the groceries for a week. Since it is hilly terrain, groceries have to be brought in small trucks to the camps. When the forest department was not providing rations, the field staff used to get tired while negotiating the hilly terrain," said a wildlife officer. Each STPF team has 25 personnel, comprising 5 from STPF, 5 ex-Army and 15 protection assistants, who are not regular employees. Mostly, they carry out patrolling along the footpaths in the deep forest where poachers operate. However, each team has been provided with a specialised ATV. They carry walkie-talkies but the control room or their base camps receive distress calls from the field personnel in case of lightning or if they are attacked by poachers, wildlife officials said.
