E-Bird technology for tiger conservation: development and integration of unmanned Aerial vehicles as Surveillance and Monitoring tool for protection of tigers and capacity building of the Frontline staff

Abstract

Un-manned Aerial Vehicles also known as Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles (RPAV), have the potential to solve many problems related to wildlife research and conservation. UAVs are small and medium-sized aircraft, which are equipped with advanced electro-optics (EO) such as thermal, night-vision and various other sensors for remote-sensing and surveillance activities. Objectives: The project was conceived as a new initiative, collaboratively by Wildlife Institute of India and National Tiger Conservation Authority in order to (1) integrate Un-manned Aerial Vehicle (UAV or Drone) for surveillance in selected tiger reserves based on pilot testing experience in the reserve, (2) undertake need and feasibility analyses for integration of Drone technology in tiger reserves, (3) map locations of poaching and conflict-prone areas, which would serve as a basis for drone implementation, (4) experiment and implement specialized drone units in a phased manner, and (5) build capacity of frontline staff for integration of drone technology as a part of regular management efforts.