Mon Mar 17 17:40:54 UTC 2025: ## Innovative Device Shows Promise in Combating Human-Wildlife Conflict in Kerala
**Kannur, Kerala – March 18, 2025** – A new device, “Farm Guard,” is showing significant promise in deterring elephants and other wildlife from encroaching on farmland in Kerala, potentially offering a crucial solution to the ongoing human-wildlife conflict. Developed by two engineering graduates, V.V. Jishoy and P. Abhijith, the device uses a combination of flashing lights and a gradually intensifying alarm sound to scare away animals.
Currently undergoing trials at Aralam Farm, the device has successfully prevented elephant intrusions in an area previously plagued by 36 incidents. According to K.P. Nitheesh Kumar, Administrative Officer of Aralam Farm, the device has proven highly effective over the past ten days, with zero elephant incursions since its installation.
Farm Guard employs motion sensors to detect wildlife within a 14-28 meter radius, depending on light conditions. Its rechargeable battery provides 15-30 days of operation. Different models are being tested, including a night-only version and a 24/7 version. A third model incorporates a camera and image recognition for enhanced monitoring and data collection.
The inventors, Jishoy and Abhijith, claim the device has also successfully undergone trials at other farms in Malappuram facing similar challenges. While already selling a version for wild boar deterrence, they plan to soon launch a dedicated elephant-deterrent model. A patent for the technology is pending.
Aralam Farm plans to continue testing Farm Guard for at least seven months before considering wider implementation across Kerala. The device’s success offers a beacon of hope in mitigating the devastating impact of human-wildlife conflict on both farmers and wildlife.
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