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AI and Bee Sounds Guard Assam's Elephants
7 Oct
Summary
- GPS tracking aided forest study on elephant movement.
- AI systems and honeybee sounds deter elephants from tracks.
- Over 250 elephants averted collisions with trains this year.
A comprehensive five-year study in Assam has utilized GPS tracking to meticulously map the movement and habitat use of elephants, identifying key wildlife sanctuaries and even tea plantations as crucial corridors. This research, conducted between 2021 and 2026, has provided invaluable data on seasonal variations in elephant behavior, including their expansion into new territories during the paddy-cropping season.
The findings are instrumental in averting human-elephant conflict and preventing tragic train-elephant collisions. Northeast Frontier Railway reported averting 257 potential collisions involving elephants between January and September of this year alone, across its Lumding, Alipurduar, Tinsukia, and Rangiya divisions. These averted incidents highlight the effectiveness of technological interventions.
Key technological measures include AI-based Intrusion Detection Systems, which use acoustic sensing to alert train operators and station masters about approaching elephants. Additionally, the 'Plan Bee' system employs amplified honeybee sounds to naturally deter elephants from railway tracks. These advanced systems are complemented by traditional conservation methods such as speed restrictions and enhanced ground patrolling.
