Mon Feb 17 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## AI Cameras Deliver Significant Blow to Poaching in India’s Similipal Tiger Reserve

**Bengaluru, February 17, 2025** – The deployment of TrailGuard AI cameras in Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve has resulted in a dramatic decrease in poaching activity, leading to numerous arrests and seizures. Over the past 10 months, the AI-powered system has assisted in the arrest of 96 poachers and the confiscation of over 86 illegal firearms, including a significant haul of 40 arrests in December alone.

The TrailGuard system, developed by Nightjar Technologies, utilizes a network of compact cameras that detect movement and transmit images for analysis. The AI embedded in the cameras distinguishes between animals, humans, and vehicles, sending alerts to wildlife officials within 30-40 seconds of a potential threat. This real-time information allows for swift responses, leading to successful house raids based on photographic evidence.

Samrat Gowda, deputy director of Similipal Tiger Reserve, attributes the system’s success to its combination of advanced technology and proactive enforcement. The system’s effectiveness is further highlighted by a conviction secured within six months of an arrest in 2024, with more convictions anticipated. The system’s low cost (approximately Rs 50,000-53,000 per unit) and long battery life (six months to a year) are cited as key advantages.

While celebrating the success, officials acknowledge the need for continued engagement with local tribal communities whose traditional practices have sometimes involved hunting. Measures are underway to address the concerns of villagers whose access to the forest has been inadvertently restricted due to increased surveillance. The reserve is working towards balancing conservation efforts with the needs of the local population.

The success of TrailGuard in Similipal has generated interest nationwide, with the system already deployed in five states across 14 sites, including Kanha Tiger Reserve and Dudhwa National Park. While acknowledging the potential for wider adoption, Nightjar Technologies emphasizes a measured approach to scaling up deployment to ensure optimal performance and address any challenges encountered. Experts believe that this AI-driven technology could revolutionize wildlife protection and monitoring in India’s protected areas.

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