AI-based smart camera system to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in Haldwani forests

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Haldwani

In order to reduce incidents of human–wildlife conflict and to ensure the safety of people living in forest-fringe areas, Haldwani forest division has initiated the installation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based smart solar-powered wildlife detection camera systems near sensitive villages located along the boundary of Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary.

Haldwani divisional forest officer Kundan Kumar said that several villages situated around Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary frequently experience the movement of elephants and other wildlife, which often increases the risk of human–wildlife conflict. Considering these circumstances, the Forest department has decided to deploy a modern technology-based early warning system to help prevent such incidents.

The smart solar AI cameras proposed under this initiative will be equipped with advanced technological features including AI-based wildlife detection system. The camera will be equipped with an AI system capable of identifying large wildlife species, particularly elephants and leopards. The camera will be able to monitor and record wildlife movement both during the day and at night. As soon as the camera detects the presence of wildlife, a high-capacity siren connected to the system will be triggered automatically, providing an immediate warning to nearby villagers while helping deter wildlife from entering human settlements.

The DFO further said that images and alerts captured by the camera will be transmitted instantly through a mobile application or WhatsApp to forest officials as well as to the control room established at the divisional office, enabling rapid response by forest staff. The entire system will operate on a 150-watt solar panel with battery support, ensuring uninterrupted functioning even in remote forest areas without external electricity supply. Since the camera processes data locally, the system can function effectively with minimal internet dependency.

The system will capture event-based recordings, which will help in scientific analysis of wildlife movement patterns in the future. In the initial phase, the system will be installed in sensitive villages located around Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary.

Kumar said that this system will enable detection of wildlife movement at an early stage, timely warning for villagers and improved response capacity of the Forest department to ensure the safety of both the wildlife and local communities.