About TrailGuard AI
- Purpose: TrailGuard AI is an AI-powered camera-based alert system designed to enhance wildlife conservation and promote human-wildlife coexistence, especially in remote areas.
- Functionality: The system autonomously detects target objects and sends real-time alerts to trigger rapid responses.
- System Components:
- Camera Unit: Smaller than a pen for compactness and ease of installation.
- Battery/Communication Unit: Similar in size to a notepad, ensuring portability and effective power management.
- Connectivity: Both units are linked with a two-meter long cable for seamless operation.
- Developer: The system was developed by Nightjar Technologies, a social impact enterprise based in Gurgaon.
Key characteristics of TrailGuard AI:
TrailGuard AI Features:
Compact Design:
- Roughly the size of an index finger, enabling easy camouflage and installation in targeted locations.
Integrated AI:
- Built-in artificial intelligence that analyzes images to detect humans, vehicles, and wildlife in remote or significant areas.
Immediate Notifications:
- Relays information about human and wildlife activities to designated devices within 30 seconds.
- Uses various communication methods including GSM, long-range radio, or satellite to ensure swift action by authorities.
Prolonged Battery Life:
- Battery lasts at least six months, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and minimizing disturbances in deployment areas.
Utility - Versatile Applications:
- Human-wildlife interactions
- Wildlife observation
- Detection of illegal logging activities in protected regions
- Security for mining operations
- Border surveillance
- Monitoring unauthorized access to buildings
Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) is situated in the Mayurbhanj District of Odisha.
Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) and its Features:
- Part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes three protected areas:
- Similipal Tiger Reserve
- Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary
- Surrounded by high plateaus and hills, with Kiriburu and Meghashini being the highest peaks.
- The name “Similipal” is derived from the Simul trees (red silk cotton trees) prevalent in the region.
- Recognized as part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009, along with a transitional area of 2,250 square kilometers.
- Ranks as Asia’s second-largest biosphere reserve.
- Notable for being the only natural habitat in India for Melanistic Royal Bengal Tigers.
- Budhabalanga, Salandi, and several tributaries of the Baitarani River originate from this reserve.
Major Fauna in STR:
- Bengal tiger
- Asian elephant
- Gaur
- Chausingha
Tribal Communities in the Area:
- Kolha
- Santhala
- Bhumija
- Bhatudi
- Gondas
- Khadia
- Mankadia
- Sahara
PRELIMS PRACTISE PYQ
Q. Which of the following statements about Simlipal Tiger Reserve are correct?
A) Simlipal Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Odisha, India.
B) It is one of the largest tiger reserves in India, spanning over 2,750 square kilometers.
C) The reserve is primarily known for its rich flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal Tiger.
D) Simlipal Tiger Reserve was established in 1995 as a part of Project Tiger.
E) The reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historical significance.
Select the correct option:
- A, B, C
- A, C, D
- B, D, E
- A, B, C, D
Answer: Option 1) A, B, C
Explanation:
- Simlipal Tiger Reserve is indeed located in Odisha (A) and is known for its rich wildlife, including tigers (C). It was established as part of Project Tiger in 1973, not 1995 (D). However, it is not a UNESCO World Heritage site (E).