Hi-tech system to fight poachers
RADAR and electro-optic sensors that will monitor and track poachers across a wide area are now operational in the Kruger National Park.
Funding for the surveillance equipment was secured by the Peace Parks Foundation from Britain’s People’s Postcode Lottery – a charity lottery.
Participants play with their postcodes to win cash prizes‚ while raising money for charities and good causes across the UK and worldwide.
The SA National Parks (SANParks) said the system was designed to be mobile so that it could be deployed rapidly to prevent poaching crisis zones from developing.
SANParks partnered with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to research‚ develop and manufacture the system.
“This is the first time this kind of technology is being applied in [an anti-]poaching role in [the] bushveld.”
It could distinguish between people and animals, and it enabled early warning and rapid response, which could save the lives of humans and animals.
It could also in future be used to gain a better understanding of animal behaviour‚ SANParks said.
The initiative‚ named Postcode Meerkat‚ would enhance the capacity to combat wildlife crime‚ along with many other systems already in operation.