Chitwan National Park Turns to Advanced Technologies for Wildlife Conservation

Sal forest in Chitwan National Park

It has recently been reported that Chitwan National Park in Nepal has begun directing its attention towards the use of advanced technologies in an effort to save its wildlife vulnerable to poaching. The national park, which is famous for being the home of endangered species like the Bengal tiger and Indian one-horned rhinoceros, has started ratifying hi-tech means of effective conservation efforts which include the use of  drones and a helicopter to control the threat of poaching. In addition, it is also planning to prepare sniffer dogs for the cause. According to Chief Conservation Officer Kamal Jung Kunwar, the national park's staff is currently training four dogs and will bring four more puppies to be trained for nine months. He further added the use of drones installed with cameras have allowed the park's staff to patrol inaccessible areas since last year. However, now there is a plan to replace ordinary drones with more advanced ones. The helicopter, on the other hand, is going to be used for patrolling long distances. Chitwan National Park has also bolstered its security by establishing 123 posts and assigning 1,100 personnel, including members of the Nepalese Army, for more efficient patrolling. In addition, Officer Kunwar claimed that the staff have also sought possible support from local people to prevent poaching.

Indian one-horned rhinoceros

This article clearly gives an ideal example of a national park that is committed to take a tough stand against the threat of poaching. With advanced technology, Chitwan National Park is becoming a force to be reckoned with when it comes to protecting its wildlife. The use of drones and a helicopter will allow forest officials to patrol areas inaccessible on foot, which would mean that poachers have a lesser chance of eluding the authorities undetected. Furthermore, the national park has recently installed solar panels which has resulted in the fitting of electric lights and power outlets. This would allow security officials to keep their mobile phones charged, and therefore keep the communication between them running. In addition, sniffer dogs are another means of security to protect the Chitwan's wildlife. Normally, these animals are favored by both law enforcement and the military to protect human beings but now they are being employed to keep the wildlife safe from poachers. A similar example of using dogs to protect wildlife had been reported in India's Kaziranga National Park almost two years ago. Chitwan National Park should not only be praised for its efforts in protecting wildlife, but also viewed as an inspiration and a model for wildlife officials around the world in keeping the wildlife in their home countries safe from poachers. This would help enhance better protection and preservation of the world's wildlife.

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