Prevention of human-wildlife conflicts
Conflicts between humans and wildlife have long been a pressing issue throughout Africa. This is a recurring problem for farmers, park managers and owners of nature reserves and wildlife parks. Habitat loss has become the greatest threat to African wildlife. For example, as their habitats shrink, elephants are progressively forced into closer contact with people, resulting in more frequent and severe conflict over space and resources with consequences ranging from crop raiding to reciprocal loss of life. Lions, leopards, and hyenas on occasion prey on farmers livestock and are often shot as a result. These incidents regularly have a fatal outcome for humans or wildlife. The Dutch organisations Timbo Afrika Foundation and Smart Parks have joined forces to reduce these conflicts, with support from the Botswana Department of Wildlife & National Parks.
Smart Parks technological solutions
The Smart Parks LoRaWAN®network collects data from the advanced sensors and devices that are scattered throughout the reserve. The sensors track wildlife and send accurate information though the LoRaWAN®network about roads, gates, vehicles, water, fuel tanks and buildings which simplify operational planning and park management. The electrified fence will be monitored with the use of fence sensors, measuring the voltage of the fence. In case of destruction of the fence, the fence sensors will send a notification to the control room, providing the opportunity of an immediate response of the maintenance team.
All sensors’ data is processed in an easy-to-use web application. This application provides accurate information from all sensors in the park.