An innovative early warning system that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) has been implemented by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department in an effort to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks near Madukkarai in Coimbatore district. During its trial run, the system has already begun generating alerts, prompting field staff to take immediate action to prevent elephants from approaching or crossing the tracks.
The system consists of 12 e-surveillance towers equipped with machine learning cameras that continuously monitor the tracks. The cameras capture the movement of elephants, providing real-time alerts to forest officials. This prompt intervention has successfully prevented several elephants from coming into harm’s way.
Once the machine learning process is completed, the system will be fully operational and the alerts will be shared with railway authorities, including train drivers. This will enable them to take necessary precautions and avoid collisions with elephants. The project, which is the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu, aims to reduce the risk of human-elephant conflicts and protect both the animals and the railway infrastructure.
The implementation of this advanced technology is a significant step forward in wildlife conservation efforts, specifically targeting the protection of elephants. By utilizing AI and surveillance technology, the early warning system enables authorities to monitor elephant movements more effectively and take proactive measures to ensure their safety.
The system has been installed in a highly vulnerable area covering a stretch of 7.05 km between Ettimadai and Walayar. Additionally, five e-surveillance towers have been installed along the ‘A’ line and seven along the ‘B’ line, which pass through the Solakkarai reserve forest. The AI-based system has proven to be effective in capturing the activity of elephants near the tracks, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents.
This innovative approach highlights the potential of AI in wildlife conservation initiatives and sets a precedent for the adoption of advanced technologies to protect and coexist with endangered species. With the successful implementation of this early warning system, we can hope to see a significant reduction in elephant deaths on railway tracks in the future.
The source of the article is from the blog macnifico.pt