Baripada, Sept 16: Poaching activities continue to pose a serious threat to wildlife in the Similipal Tiger Reserve. In a recent development, an AI-powered surveillance camera helped forest officials apprehend a poacher in the Thakurmunda Wildlife Range under the Northern Wildlife Division.

According to forest department sources, the AI camera captured images of a suspect moving suspiciously within the Thakurmunda forest area. Acting swiftly on the alert, a team of forest officials reached the spot and successfully arrested the individual.

A significant cache of illegal wildlife articles and hunting equipment was recovered from the accused. The seized items include:Four deer antlers, one hornbill beak, three bows, eight arrows, 137 bird-trapping snares.

The accused has been identified as Kunj Soren, a resident of Keshadihi village under Mahuldiha police limits. The forest department has registered a case and launched a detailed investigation into the matter.

Officials stated that the arrest highlights the increasing role of AI and technology in curbing wildlife crimes in protected areas like Similipal.