Hi-tech game parks fight poaching

GAME parks are increasingly turning to technology in the battle against poaching, with the Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape being the latest to adopt a hi-tech approach.

Two mobile networks companies have thrown their weight behind the fight against rhino poaching by introducing a new security measure aimed at helping to secure the park against poachers. Smartphones will enable real-time tracking of rangers in the veld, which is crucial in the safety and security environment. The Cmore application allows rangers to enter information such as poaching incidents, poacher sightings, carcass locations and logging a patrol.

In a statement yesterday, Addo Elephant National Park Conservation manager, John Adendorff said that ranger teams needed the ability to detect events, follow forces in the field, collaborate with one another and receive instant feedback. “The Cmore-enabled cellphones will be issued per twoman patrol and will be switched on automatically to monitor the rangers’ positions, who are able to plot any incidents they come across in the field on the system. If needed, additional forces can be deployed immediately,” said Adendorff.

The application was developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and is an innovative technology tool that is based on modern web and mobile technology. – ANA