Context: TrailGuard AI has recently made headlines due to its remarkable success in reducing poaching at Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve.

About TrailGuard AI

• TrailGuard AI is an advanced, AI-powered surveillance system designed for conservation and anti-poaching efforts.

• It uses artificial intelligence and real-time image transmission to detect human and animal movement in protected forest areas, enabling swift action against poachers and illegal activities.

TrailGuard AI consists of two compact components:

• Camera Unit – The size of a pen, strategically hidden in vegetation.

• Battery/Communication Unit – The size of a notepad, connected to the camera via a two-meter cable.

• These AI-enabled cameras operate in a low-power mode but activate upon detecting movement. The built-in AI model classifies objects into categories such as humans, animals, and vehicles. If a potential threat, such as a poacher, is detected, the camera transmits the image to a central control room within 30-40 seconds using cellular networks.

Key Features and Advantages

• Real-Time Alerts: Provides instant updates to enforcement teams.

• Compact and Concealed Design: Harder for poachers to detect and disable.

• Extended Battery Life: Operates for six months to a year without frequent maintenance.

• Cost-Effective: Priced at Rs 50,000-53,000 per unit, making it more affordable than other live transmission technologies.

• Enhances Human-Wildlife Conflict Monitoring: Helps track movement patterns of elephants and tigers, mitigating risks to nearby communities.