Bengal tigers are one of the most majestic creatures on the planet, and they are found primarily in India. Unfortunately, these tigers have been endangered for decades due to habitat loss, poaching, and other human activities. To combat this problem, the Indian government has implemented various measures to monitor and protect Bengal tiger populations. One of the most critical tools for this purpose is technology.
In recent years, technology has played a vital role in helping the government monitor the Bengal tiger populations in India. Several types of tech devices are being used to protect these tigers in Indian jungles. Here are five of the most important ones:
Camera traps
Authorities & Conservationists rely on camera traps to monitor and protect Bengal tiger populations in India. These traps are strategically positioned throughout the jungle and record photographs and videos of tigers as they move. This information is then evaluated to identify the quantity and distribution of Bengal tigers in the region, as well as to help researchers better understand the tigers’ behavior and environmental needs.
Camera traps have the enormous advantage of allowing conservationists to monitor Bengal tiger numbers without disturbing animals. Researchers had to rely on direct observations in the past, which might be intrusive and upsetting for the tigers. Researchers may collect more accurate data using video traps without upsetting the tigers, allowing them to continue their usual behaviour unaffected.
Camera traps are very useful in spotting poachers. Regrettably, poaching continues to be a major threat to Bengal tiger numbers, and video traps have shown to be an efficient method of catching poachers in the act. Conservationists have utilized camera traps in recent years to identify and arrest poachers, who are frequently responsible for murdering tigers for their skins, bones, and other body parts, which are highly valued in traditional medicine.
Camera traps can also help researchers identify potential threats to Bengal tigers, such as habitat loss and fragmentation. By analyzing camera trap data, researchers can identify areas where tigers are most vulnerable and develop strategies to protect them. For example, if camera trap data indicates that tigers are frequently crossing roads or other man-made structures, conservationists can work to reduce these barriers and create safer habitats for the tigers.
GPS Collars
GPS collars have proven to be an invaluable tool in the protection and monitoring of Bengal tigers in India. These collars are worn around the tiger’s neck and employ GPS technology to follow its movements in real-time. The data collected from the collars can help researchers better understand the tigers’ environmental needs and behavior, as well as aid in conservation efforts.
One of the most important advantages of GPS collars is that they enable researchers to track tigers’ movements over large distances. This information is critical for understanding the tigers’ habitat requirements and identifying vulnerable areas. It also assists researchers in better understanding tiger behavior and how they interact with their surroundings.
GPS collars also assist researchers in determining a tiger’s fitness level. Researchers can assess whether the tiger is healthy and active by analyzing the tiger’s movements and activity levels. This information can assist conservationists in taking proper efforts to protect the health and well-being of tigers.
Additionally, GPS collars can aid in the prevention of human-tiger conflicts. Researchers can pinpoint regions where tigers are most likely to come into contact with humans by tracking their travels. This data can be utilized to devise methods to avoid these conflicts and safeguard both humans and tigers.
Drones
Drones have proven to be an effective tool for safeguarding and monitoring Bengal tigers in India. These unmanned aerial vehicles can swiftly and effectively explore enormous regions of the forest, delivering crucial information to authorities and conservationists. Drones have aided in tracking the movements of Bengal tigers and identifying sensitive regions. This information assists conservationists in developing plans to safeguard tigers and their habitat.
Drones were important in monitoring and safeguarding Bengal tigers during the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdowns. Poachers took advantage of the situation and entered the jungle to hunt tigers while the lockdowns were in place. Drones, on the other hand, assisted authorities in monitoring the forest from the skies, detecting and tracking the activities of the poachers. This enabled officials to catch the poachers before they could hurt the tigers.
Drones were also utilized to track the health of Bengal tigers during the epidemic. The lockdowns made it difficult for officials to monitor the tigers’ health and well-being. High-resolution photographs of the tigers were captured using drones, allowing doctors to study the images and determine any health concerns.
Satellite imagery
In India, satellite vision is a vital tool for monitoring and safeguarding Bengal tiger populations. It gives significant information on the tigers’ habitat and movements, which may assist authorities and conservationists in better understanding their behavior and establishing conservation measures.
Authorities can spot subtle changes in the terrain, such as fresh tiger tracks or shelters, which can signal the presence of newly born cubs, using high-resolution satellite pictures. Conservationists can better understand the tigress and her pups’ behavior and environmental requirements by following their movements, which can guide conservation initiatives. Frequent monitoring can assist authorities in ensuring that the tigress and her kids are secure and safeguarded, which is crucial for the Bengal tigers’ long-term survival.
Satellite imaging was important in tracking the movement of tigers inside the forest during the COVID-19 epidemic and lockdown. With the lockdown in place, there was a reduction in human activity in and around the tiger reserves, providing officials with a unique chance to study tiger behavior in their natural habitat.
During the lockdown, satellite imaging assisted officials in monitoring the tigers’ movements and behavior. They were able to recognize the tigers’ movement patterns and trace their motions over time. This information was used to create plans to safeguard tigers from poaching and other human-caused harm.
Mobile apps
The Indian government has taken a number of steps to safeguard and preserve Bengal tigers in the country. The creation of smartphone apps that allow individuals to donate to tiger conservation efforts is one such project. These applications have proven to be powerful tools for stimulating public engagement in conservation efforts.
The government-released applications allow individuals to share images and videos of Bengal tigers they have seen. This information is then utilized to track tiger numbers and their travels in the wild. Furthermore, the applications allow locals to report unlawful forest activities like as poaching, deforestation, and encroachment. This enables forest authorities to take rapid action and prevent such acts from occurring.
Anyone may use these applications to contribute to conservation efforts in addition to reporting tiger sightings and unlawful activity. People may donate to tiger conservation initiatives, virtually adopt wild tigers, and contribute to their protection. This serves to boost conservation awareness and encourages people to take an active role in safeguarding these magnificent species.
In conclusion, technology has played a critical role in monitoring and protecting the Bengal tiger populations in India. The Indian government has been using a range of tech devices such as camera traps, GPS collars, drones, satellite imagery, and mobile apps to protect these majestic creatures. With these tools and the help of the public, the government can continue to work towards preserving these tigers for future generations.
