Balasore, Dec 13: Poaching incidents have been on the rise in the Nilagiri region of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary. To curb illegal hunting and monitor wildlife activity, the Forest Department installed AI cameras in the sanctuary, which have successfully thwarted poachers’ attempts.
On the 2nd of this month, poachers entered the sanctuary, and their movements were captured by the AI cameras. Acting on this evidence, the Forest Department launched a joint operation last night under the guidance of DFO Prafull Kumar Mallik, involving teams from Nilagiri, Kuldiha, and Soro forest divisions.
During the operation, three poachers were arrested and five country-made firearms were seized. The arrested individuals have been identified as Gura Munda, Gede Deogam, and Bikram Munda of Betai Narasinghsila village. The three will be produced in court today, confirmed ACF Shobhandiganta Chand.
The successful operation highlights the role of AI technology in protecting wildlife and preventing illegal hunting in Odisha’s forests.
AI cameras expose poaching in Similipal Tiger Reserve
AI-powered infrared trap cameras have also recently exposed illegal hunting activities in the Similipal South Wildlife Division. Following the arrest of two poachers in the Similipal Tiger Reserve, forest officials caught five more hunters on December 9 in the Jenabil Range.
The cameras recorded the hunters in the act, enabling authorities to identify and track them. Acting on this evidence, the Forest Department conducted raids at their homes, seizing a country-made gun, seven arrows, a gun barrel, a torch, and dried wild boar meat. The five arrested hunters have been identified as Birasingh Ho, Charan Ho, Chale Ho, Sagar Ho, and Sukra Ho, all residents of Jadidar village under Khunta police limits.
This incident comes shortly after another breakthrough in the Similipal Tiger Reserve, where two poachers—Bhagirath Buliuli and Budhuram Kandanakel of Jaldha village, Karanjia—were apprehended with the help of AI cameras in the Kendumundi Range. From their homes, forest officials recovered four bows, ten arrows, 160 snares, a knife, and around 1.7 kilograms of dried meat. Both poachers are currently under interrogation, and investigations are ongoing.
Officials say AI surveillance has become a key tool in curbing poaching, helping track and apprehend offenders while safeguarding the rich biodiversity of Similipal, one of India’s largest protected areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Forest Department has pledged to continue its vigilance and strengthen patrols to prevent further illegal hunting activities.
