New tracking technology for conservation
Albanu is committed to developing a revolutionary new technology that aims to simplify the daily monitoring of elephants and rhinoceroses by anti-poaching units and researchers dedicated to studying endangered species.
In our quest for innovation, we first explored the idea of creating small tracking devices to be attached to the tails of elephants. Our initial attempts showed promising results, we had succeeded in reducing the weight from 22 kg to 750 g.
Our new tracker design, utilizing this innovative technology, ensures secure monitoring of these magnificent animals through the use of the Lora WAN system. In partnership with Silotron, we have developed a unique and entirely secure tracking system that will revolutionize how we protect and study these beautiful creatures and their environment.
This innovative solution connects to a fixed or mobile gateway, facilitating the exchange of secure information and traceability among various IoT devices, drones, and gateways deployed in the monitored areas.
These terminals ensure technological interoperability and coordinate preventive and intervention actions in the field. The centralization of security devices in a reserve is ensured by a supervision system via a local or cloud-based control tower, strategically positioned to manage the various elements of the solution, including IoT trackers, drones, vehicles, and more.
This approach optimizes control operations, prioritizing prevention to ensure the safety of people and the protection of endangered species.
Using technology to prevent poaching
The innovative concept of Albanu x Silotron centers around the use of cutting-edge technologies to actively combat poaching, with a particular focus on protecting elephants and rhinoceroses, severely endangered species.
Animals respond in distinct ways to various situations, and by studying behavioral patterns using artificial intelligence, it’s possible to recognize unique behavior patterns. In the natural environment, animals react to predators, other species, and even differently to vehicles passing through their habitat, whether they are park observation vehicles or private vehicles. They also exhibit varying reactions to humans moving within the reserve.
Anticipating poaching activities in the bush is crucial, and animal behaviors can serve as an early warning system.
Here is our method:
1. Tagging various animal species with low-frequency trackers equipped with micro-kinetic chargers to maintain battery charge during animal movements, reducing the need for frequent retagging.
2. Utilizing strategically positioned LoRaWAN gateways to monitor animal movements day and night.
3. In the establishment phase, monitoring animal behavior and movements using drones to aid AI programming. Scenarios involving human presence in the park during the day and night are recorded to better understand animal behavior.
4. Creating a digital twin park through AI algorithms, providing access to historical data and animal movements.
5. Detecting human activities or poaching triggers alarms, followed by drone intervention to confirm the alarm’s validity. The drone is equipped with human detection and facial recognition capabilities to track poachers and assist anti-poaching units in apprehending them.
6. LoRaWAN gateways and trackers also allow for comprehensive park management, including monitoring water points, pumps, soil pH, and tracking all park assets, including staff and vehicles.
7. Temporary magnetic detectors can be placed on visitor vehicles to track their movements, creating a technologically-driven AI park management system.
This innovative approach revolutionizes how we protect endangered wildlife and offers a state-of-the-art park management system. It demonstrates the Albanu Wildlife Foundation’s commitment to using technology to safeguard our planet’s precious wildlife.
