India Installs First AI-Powered System For Tracking Elephants In Wild

CHENNAI– In a pioneering move to address rising human-elephant conflicts during migration season, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has implemented India’s first Artificial Intelligence-triggered early warning system. The system, operational in the Hosur Forest Division, provides real-time monitoring of wild elephants and displays alerts on giant screens along the busy Chennai-Bengaluru highway.

The initiative targets the migration season from October to January, during which 200-250 elephants travel from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu. Key hotspots, such as the Javalagiri and Denkanikottai ranges, often experience fatal conflicts as elephants stray into human settlements, damaging crops and property.

To enhance safety, especially during nighttime, drones equipped with thermal cameras have been deployed. Officials plan to extend the system to Dharmapuri forest ranges within the Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary, which includes conflict-prone areas.

Previously, officials relied on Anti-Depredation Squads to manage conflicts, but nighttime tracking posed significant challenges. By integrating AI technology and thermal imaging, authorities aim to issue timely alerts and reduce risks to both humans and wildlife.

Additionally, the department has installed AI-enabled surveillance along railway tracks near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border in Coimbatore district. These systems have detected over 150 incidents of wild elephants crossing tracks, allowing forest staff to respond swiftly and train drivers to reduce speed, averting potential collisions.