Project Overview
Eco Global Innovations provided a comprehensive wildlife tracking solution to Lewa Conservancy. The goal of the project was to improve the management of wildlife by collecting and analyzing movement data of key species. We deployed GPS trackers and satellite collars on select wildlife, enabling the conservancy to make informed decisions on wildlife conservation and security.
Challenges
- Remote, Inaccessible Terrain: The expansive and rugged terrain of Lewa Conservancy made it difficult for traditional monitoring methods to track wildlife movements effectively. Rangers and staff faced logistical challenges in maintaining visual contact with the animals, especially in dense bushland areas.
- Limited Real-Time Data: Prior to the implementation, the conservancy relied on manual reports and sporadic observations, leading to a time lag in decision-making. This made it harder to intervene in cases of poaching or emergency conservation efforts.
- Ensuring Compatibility with Existing Systems: Integrating the new data with existing monitoring systems without causing disruption or requiring extensive retraining was a key concern for the conservancy.
Solutions Provided
- Deployment of GPS Trackers and Satellite Collars: We carefully selected wildlife species, especially endangered and migratory animals, to equip with state-of-the-art GPS trackers and satellite collars. These devices provided precise geolocation data and were designed for low maintenance and long battery life to reduce the need for frequent intervention.
- Real-Time Centralized Monitoring: The GPS and satellite data were transmitted in real-time to a centralized monitoring platform, which was accessible to conservancy staff through a web-based dashboard and mobile devices. This provided 24/7 visibility into animal movements, allowing the staff to track individual animals and groups with precision.
- Geofencing and Alerts: We implemented geofencing technology to establish virtual boundaries around key areas within the conservancy. Alerts were set up to notify the team if animals crossed these boundaries, which helped in preventing potential human-wildlife conflicts or guiding animals back into safer areas.
- Integration with Conservation Analytics: The system was integrated with existing conservation databases to store long-term data for each animal. This allowed the staff to analyze migration trends, breeding patterns, and the effects of environmental changes over time.
Technologies Used
- GPS Tracking Devices: High-accuracy GPS devices were selected for minimal interference with the animals’ behavior, ensuring precise geolocation tracking over long distances.
- Satellite Communication Systems: Low-power satellite collars ensured that the data could be transmitted even from the most remote parts of the conservancy where cellular connectivity was unavailable.
- Custom Data Integration Platform: A web-based platform was designed to visualize animal movement data, enabling the conservation team to analyze real-time and historical movement data.
- Data Analytics and Predictive Tools: Predictive analytics were employed to forecast migration routes, breeding periods, and potential risks to wildlife.
Outcomes
- Improved Real-Time Wildlife Tracking: The system dramatically increased the conservancy’s ability to monitor wildlife in real time, reducing the need for constant manual tracking by rangers. This helped to ensure the safety of endangered species.
- Enhanced Conservation Efforts: Long-term data collection and predictive analytics allowed Lewa Conservancy to make more informed conservation decisions, including better planning for animal relocations and improved protection of migratory routes.
- Poaching Prevention: The system also enhanced security efforts, providing the team with early warnings if animals ventured into high-risk areas, significantly reducing poaching incidents.