Rhinoceroses used to wander across Africa and Asia, with different species being visually associated by the horn on their heads. However, they are becoming increasingly scarce these days, and while the horns on their heads distinguish them, it also puts them in danger.
Rhinos have been hunted to the point of extinction. Currently, there are just about 70 Javan rhinoceros left in the wild. The number of their Sumatran cousins is estimated to be around 100. Only 5,000 black rhinos, the smaller of the two African rhino species, roam the wild, with the majority of them living in protected areas. This is partly due to the fact that their horns may bring $65,000 per kg, making them more valuable than platinum and gold.
But thankfully, the extinction has come to a stop owing to the Kenyan government and Ellipse Projects radios that eavesdrop on poachers and prevent poaching right away. Let us talk about it some more.
Why Wildlife Crimes Are Rising?
The demand for wildlife has increased in tandem with the growth of human populations. Various people in many nations have become accustomed to a way of life that feeds the desire for animals.
They anticipate having access to a wide range of seafood, leather items, woods, medicinal components, and textiles. On the other hand, acute poverty causes some communities to regard wildlife as a desirable trading commodity.
Corruption, weak laws, court systems, and cheap punishments allow criminal networks to exploit nature with little concern for the repercussions. Because of these advantages, illegal wildlife trading is a decreased, high-reward venture.
Approaches to Help Prevent Wildlife
1. Radio on the internet
Even minor technological advancements can have a significant impact. In Kenya, the ranger service upgraded its prone to interference two-way radio network with ellipse radio broadcast service that enables rangers to interact securely over great distances, collaborate with HQ, and act quicker to poaching occurrences and unlawful park entry. Walkie talkies can help in better management of wildlife sanctuaries, parks and other areas that are reserved for wildlife.
2. CyberTracker
SMART Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tool) freeware kit incorporates data from daily patrols, evaluates local poacher practices, and monitors success in law compliance, helping rangers enhance their efficacy in preventing wildlife crime. It is already utilized in 120 conservation areas in 27 countries.
3. Virtual Security Room
Illegal, unregulated, and unauthorized (IUU) fishing, estimated to be worth between $10 billion and $23 billion annually by the Global Ocean Commission, is depleting the world’s oceans, endangering entire ecosystems the food security of millions around the world. The system can detect suspect vessels using real-time satellite imaging and tracking, allowing authorities to curb illegal fishing.
4. Crowdfunding
Ranger teams and environmentalists are using crowdsourcing sites to finance everything from drones to identify poachers from the air to sniffing dogs to find ivory and other illegal items at airports and simple anti-poaching training, trucks, and uniforms, and guns to supplement ground operations.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), a Kenyan nonprofit, uses crowdfunding to help sustain its elephant orphanage. DSWT rescues and rehabilitates baby elephants and offers mobile medical treatment to wild elephants who poachers have injured.
