In a major success for technology-assisted wildlife protection, AI cameras installed in the Kuldiha forest of Balasore district helped authorities nab two poachers in the act on Monday. The poachers were attempting to hunt in the forest and hide their firearms nearby when the camera captured their activities.
According to official sources, the Forest Department tracked the AI-recorded footage and arrested the two offenders. During the operation, authorities seized one firearm, a bow and arrow, and several traps used for hunting.
Arrested poachers have been identified as the residents of Jodachua Beat area in the district, Kuldiha forest ranger Subrat Behera informed. This incident highlights the growing role of AI and technology in curbing illegal hunting and protecting wildlife in Odisha.
“The newly joined DFO is quite active and protection-minded. Under his supervision, we installed AI cameras in the forest last night. Based on the video footage, we arrested two accused persons today. Their photos helped us to nab them,” the ranger said.
“Some local informers identified the accused and provided us with their whereabouts. With the help of the police, we had taken them to the spot where they had hidden the firearms under a tree and kept the animal traps on it,” Ranger Behera stated.
“We have seized a firearm along with several other incriminating instruments, and arrested two persons in this connection,” Kuldiha ranger expressed.
Worth mentioning, in a major step towards strengthening wildlife protection, AI-powered cameras were installed yesterday in the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary under Nilagiri police limits. Authorities have introduced the technology to ensure that any poacher attempting to enter the sanctuary will be detected immediately.
Thirty AI cameras have been installed in the first phase. These advanced devices are capable of capturing video footage within a kilometre radius, significantly enhancing the surveillance across vulnerable zones inside the sanctuary.
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