YK Poudel

In an initiative aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict and enhancing wildlife conservation, Bhutan Ecological Society (BES) has deployed four AI-powered TrailGuard camera traps in the forests of Nubi in Trongsa.

Installed recently, these cutting-edge cameras, equipped with real-time image classification technology, promise to revolutionise conservation efforts by monitoring both wildlife and human activity in the region.

According to the BES, the installation of the cameras is a crucial part of Bhutan’s ongoing efforts to address the growing issue of human-wildlife conflict, particularly in rural areas where wildlife often damage crops and attack livestock. “In Nubi, for instance, over 100 livestock are lost to wildlife every year, a situation that has strained local communities and threatened both rural livelihoods and biodiversity.”

Nawang Norbu (PhD), executive director of BES, expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential. “This marks the first introduction of TrailGuard AI in Bhutan, and its potential to address human-wildlife conflict and combat poaching is immense. In partnership with the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS), we envision replicating this technology in other critical regions across Bhutan,” he said.

For conservationists and researchers, he said the technology significantly reduced the time and effort required to analyse camera trap images. “The AI-powered algorithm streamlines the process of identifying species, allowing us to focus on critical conservation tasks while minimising the workload for our teams.”

Tashi Dhendup, an official from DoFPS, said that in addition to mitigating conflict between humans and wildlife, the cameras also serve a broader conservation purpose by aiding in the monitoring of endangered species and the detection of illegal activities in remote areas.

“These cameras are equipped to monitor the presence of elephants and other wildlife in the forested regions near settlements. This is crucial for preventing dangerous encounters that could lead to fatalities or property damage,” he said.

TrailGuard AI, developed by Nightjar Technologies in India, leverages artificial intelligence to identify species from camera trap images and send real-time alerts over cellular networks. This allows park rangers and local communities to act swiftly, preventing human-wildlife conflicts and illegal activities such as poaching and logging. The system’s ability to filter out false triggers, such as images caused by environmental factors, ensures that the data collected is accurate and reliable.

Sonam Wangmo, the Project Lead of BES, stated that the deployment of the TrailGuard cameras is not only a technological advancement but also a community-driven effort. “Local rangers and village leaders have been actively engaged in the project, ensuring that the technology meets the needs of those most affected by wildlife encounters. Information gathered from the cameras is shared with local communities and authorities, empowering them to take preventive measures in real time.”

According to her, the success of this initiative in Nubi is expected to pave the way for similar projects across Bhutan, particularly in regions where human-wildlife conflict and poaching remain significant threats.

“With the support of BES, the Department of Forests and Park Services, and local communities, the deployment of TrailGuard AI cameras is a promising step towards a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in Bhutan,” she said.