Wildlife / AI Cameras Help Forest Team Nab Three Armed Poachers in Kuldiha
·3 months ago·2 min read
Key Points
- AI cameras detect movement, leading to arrest of three armed poachers in Kuldiha
- Five loaded country-made firearms seized from Betei and Narsimhashila areas
- Second major poaching bust since AI surveillance was introduced in the sanctuary
Balasore, Dec 13: The Odisha Forest Department achieved a major breakthrough in wildlife protection on Saturday with the arrest of three armed poachers in the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, aided by AI-enabled surveillance cameras.
Forest officials said the poachers were apprehended from the Betei and Narsimhashila areas under the Soro range after AI cameras detected suspicious movement. Acting swiftly on the alerts, a team led by Kuldiha Range Officer Subrat Behera intercepted the suspects and seized five country-made firearms loaded with ammunition.
The arrests mark another success for the sanctuary’s AI-based monitoring system. Earlier, after the installation of AI cameras, two poachers were arrested with firearms in the Jodachua area. With the latest operation, a total of five armed poachers have been arrested in recent days, underscoring the effectiveness of technology-driven forest surveillance, officials said.
Forest authorities described the operation as a significant step in curbing illegal hunting and strengthening wildlife protection in Kuldiha, which is home to several vulnerable species.
Wider Conservation Efforts
The arrests come amid intensified conservation measures by the Forest Department across Odisha. In a related development, officials said the skeletal remains of Ramu, a well-known elephant that once roamed the Chandaka and Bharatpur forest ranges near Bhubaneswar, are being exhumed as part of a formal preservation process.
Also Read: Over 1,400 Revenue Vacancies To Be Filled As Odisha Steps Up Hiring
A forensic team, along with forest personnel, has reached the burial site inside Chandaka forest. After recovery, the skeleton will be transported to Godibari for preservation and public display, aimed at promoting wildlife awareness and conservation.
Forest officials said the poachers were apprehended from the Betei and Narsimhashila areas under the Soro range after AI cameras detected suspicious movement. Acting swiftly on the alerts, a team led by Kuldiha Range Officer Subrat Behera intercepted the suspects and seized five country-made firearms loaded with ammunition.
The arrests mark another success for the sanctuary’s AI-based monitoring system. Earlier, after the installation of AI cameras, two poachers were arrested with firearms in the Jodachua area. With the latest operation, a total of five armed poachers have been arrested in recent days, underscoring the effectiveness of technology-driven forest surveillance, officials said.
Forest authorities described the operation as a significant step in curbing illegal hunting and strengthening wildlife protection in Kuldiha, which is home to several vulnerable species.
Wider Conservation Efforts
The arrests come amid intensified conservation measures by the Forest Department across Odisha. In a related development, officials said the skeletal remains of Ramu, a well-known elephant that once roamed the Chandaka and Bharatpur forest ranges near Bhubaneswar, are being exhumed as part of a formal preservation process.
Also Read: Over 1,400 Revenue Vacancies To Be Filled As Odisha Steps Up Hiring
A forensic team, along with forest personnel, has reached the burial site inside Chandaka forest. After recovery, the skeleton will be transported to Godibari for preservation and public display, aimed at promoting wildlife awareness and conservation.
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