AI helps Addo Elephant National Park pinpoint exact location of rhinos
Nomazulu Moyo
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Addo Elephant National Park has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) system to monitor and protect its rhino population.
The park, which is situated approximately 30km from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, is pioneering the use of AI collars on rhinos—a first for the park.
AI sends reports of unusual activity to Addo Elephant National Park management
The AI collars are equipped with smart algorithms that analyse the rhinos’ behavior patterns. When unusual activity is detected, such as fighting, mating, giving birth, or even death, the system sends out an immediate alert. The alerts provide the exact GPS location of the rhino, allowing park rangers to swiftly respond to potential poaching incidents.
JP Louw, SANPARKS Head of Communications said: “The introduction of AI tracking collars is a game-changer for our conservation efforts. It enhances our ability to safeguard these magnificent creatures against poaching and other threats”.
Technology made possible by Addo Elephant National Park’s partners
Various stakeholders has made the project possible through the generous donations of 31 collars. Among the contributors are animal welfare organizations like Stop Rhino Poaching and Animal Survival International (Brady Hunter Foundation), as well as businesses such as Tocoforce and Rouxcell Technology.
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Addo Elephant National Park is renowned for its success in expanding the rhino population within its nearly 180,000-hectare range. The park is home to the Big Five and continues to be a beacon of conservation success.
The innovative use of technology underscores the park’s commitment to preserving wildlife and sets a precedent for other conservation areas to follow. The AI system not only provides a more secure environment for the rhinos but also represents a significant step forward in the fight against wildlife crime.
