Further proof high-tech is the way forward to combatting rhino poaching comes from Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West province.
The reserve is, by way of a multi-pronged partnership, countering rhino poaching and boosting the success of its rewilding techniques for this Big Five species.
A five-way technical collaboration has since 2021 seen the convergence of ground-based tools and satellite technology lead to 16 suspected rhino poaching arrests. Additionally, information provided by the high-tech solution helps in management and restoration of the reserve’s 750 sq km wilderness.
Madikwe Futures Company (MFC) in collaboration with the Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF), Cisco, Airbus Foundation and Actility integrate cutting-edge technologies into shield against poachers and assist in managing the landscape.
From LoRaWAN (low-power, wide area networking protocol) networks to 30 cm resolution satellite imagery, Madikwe is now equipped with a holistic system merging ground-based measures with sky-based monitoring technologies.
“Our ongoing work with CCF and other partners to deliver networking equipment across Madikwe is part of Cisco’s ‘Partnering for Purpose’ initiative. The combination of powerful partnerships and innovative technologies supports a holistic approach to conservation, helping create safe havens for wildlife and secure jobs for local communities,” said Tony Meredith, Senior Director, Global Strategic Partner Sales at Cisco.
Satellite imagery combined with thermal cameras along the reserve’s perimeter are vigilant guardians operating 24/7 to detect and deter poachers.
The cameras offer real-time surveillance and provide insights into poaching behaviour, enabling implementation of more effective counter-strategies.
Madikwe strengthened its surveillance against poaching with the introduction of sophisticated Pléiades Neo satellite imagery. This technology, donated by the Airbus Foundation, provides a landscape scale perspective enabling the team to analyse poacher entry and exit routes.
Koos Potgieter, MFC Managing Director, said,“Poachers are professionals who are part of organised crime syndicates. They’re experienced. It’s valuable to monitor their behaviour closely”.
The imagery enhances anti-poaching resource deployment and contributes to the reserve’s overall rewilding and restoration plans, guiding decisions on environmental factors such as sickle bush removal and grassland enhancement for key species like lion, wild dog, hyena and rhino.
“The Airbus Foundation donated Pléiades Neo satellite imagery to contribute to Madikwe Game Reserve’s anti-poaching resources. By analysing poacher routes and supporting overall management plans, this technology plays a crucial role in the conservation efforts of this remarkable living landscape,” Rachel Schroeder, Airbus Foundation Managing Director, said.
Madikwe Game Reserve is implementing a new LoRaWAN network, supported by Cisco, Actility and CCF, covering vast areas with advanced sensing devices ranging from fence sensors and vehicle trackers to wildlife, canine and ranger trackers. This network enhances surveillance, identifies potential poaching threats and optimises patrol routes through data analysis, offering a data-driven approach to conservation.
“By harnessing cutting-edge IoT (Internet of Things) technology, including the transformative power of LoRaWAN and our ThingPark connectivity platform, we commit to safeguarding the world’s wildlife. These ground breaking tools allow us to bridge the gap between progress and conservation effectively, ensuring harmonious co-existence between humanity and wildlife. Join us in this noble endeavour, leveraging innovation for a synergistic and sustainable future,” Nicolas Jordan, Actility Chief Operating Officer, said.
Sophie Maxwell, CCF Executive Director, adds insight into the future of LoRa devices. “LoRa devices will keep on developing – from new animal trackers to alarms. The Connected Conservation project enables Madikwe to easily plug in and utilise new LoRa devices to safeguard rangers and wildlife.”
Madikwe Game Reserve has experienced a reduction in rhino poaching incidents, accompanied by enhanced levels of landscape and community security. A commendable achievement is protection of previously identified hotspots poachers use for entry and exit into the reserve.
