The Use of Technology in Combating Wildlife Trafficking
In Pu Mat National Park in Vietnam, which borders Laos, an anti-wildlife trafficking unit is integrating high-tech tools with ground patrols to help combat the illegal wildlife trade. The anti-poaching unit (APU) was formed in 2018 through a partnership between the non-governmental organization Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) and the park, to address the widespread use of wire snares and the limited capacity of rangers.
According to APU coordinator Huu Trung Nguyen, about 70 rangers previously monitored over 1,300 hectares of rugged terrain each, on average. Patrol information was recorded in handwritten notes and patrol routes, and locations of illegal activities were described in narrative form, said Trung Hau Luong, deputy chief of the unit, in an interview.
SMART Technology and PoacherCams
The APU team now uses SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) software and remotely monitored “PoacherCams”. Luong said SMART allows patrol teams to record routes, wildlife observations, and snare locations via GPS-enabled smartphones, creating structured data to identify hotspots of trafficking and guide strategic planning.
Meanwhile, PoacherCams, which are cameras installed in specific locations such as forest entry points, ridge crossings, or trails frequently used by poachers, help the unit better understand the movement of people through the forest and identify potential illegal activities. In one case, a camera captured images of a man entering the forest with a gun. After authorities spoke with the individual and explained the legal consequences of hunting, he voluntarily surrendered and handed over his hunting gun.
Why This Matters
Wildlife trafficking is a significant threat to biodiversity and nature conservation. The loss of species can have severe consequences for ecosystems and society as a whole. The integration of technology in combating wildlife trafficking can be a powerful tool for protecting wildlife and natural habitats.
The Mechanism Behind the Technology
SMART technology and PoacherCams work together to provide a comprehensive view of activities in the forest. SMART software allows patrol teams to collect accurate and structured data, while PoacherCams provide visual images of activities in the forest. This combination of technologies enables the anti-poaching unit to identify patterns and trends, and develop effective strategies to combat wildlife trafficking.
Broader Context
The use of technology in combating wildlife trafficking is not new, but the integration of high-tech tools with ground patrols is an innovative approach. The partnership between the non-governmental organization Save Vietnam’s Wildlife and Pu Mat National Park is an example of how collaboration between organizations can lead to effective results in nature conservation.
What Happens Next
The anti-poaching unit of Pu Mat National Park will continue to use SMART technology and PoacherCams to combat wildlife trafficking. The team is also working to expand the coverage of the technology to other areas of the park and to develop new strategies to combat wildlife trafficking. Additionally, the partnership between the non-governmental organization Save Vietnam’s Wildlife and the park may serve as a model for other organizations and national parks seeking to combat wildlife trafficking.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on the Mongabay website.