Innovative technologies working to save elephants from poaching

How are tusk causing the decline in elephant populations?

Current technology used to prevent poaching

Anti-Poaching Patrol Aerial Survey GPS collars

Formed from the local communities,

these small groups of people perform daily on-ground surveys of an area to ensure a

constant anti-poaching presence in

the area.

Using lightweight aircraft, pilots and

conservationists are able to fly over

elephant habitats to determine elephant

populations and detect poaching activity.

Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology attached

to a collar around the elephant’s neck allows

conservationists to track the elephant’s movement

and detect any unusual behavior that might indicate poaching.

New technology saving elephants

Motion-detector

• Accelerometers, change the position of your Smartphone screen from vertical to horizontal.

• Accelerometers are then attached to collars worn by elephants .

• Scientists are testing accelerometers, a new technology, to see if they might help save elephants.

• Accelerometers are motion detectors . You might have an accelerometer if you have a Smartphone or tablet.

Accelerometers tell us the position of the elephant

Accelerometers tell us the position the elephant is in, just like on your Smartphone.

Standing up Laying on its right side Laying on its left side

Accelerometers tell us the elephant’s activity level and behavior

The accelerometer sends this information to a computer that makes the graphs below. This shows the amount of movement for each behavior .

• Bathing

• Feeding

• Walking

Accelerometers tell us the elephant’s activity level

When resting continues for longer than 2 hours, the elephant could be in distress. Elephants don’t lay down for more than two hours due to their great weight.

• Resting

This reading tells us the elephant is not moving. The position tells us the elephant is laying down. When an elephant is not moving and laying down, they are resting.

Time

Behavior

GPS Location

Information from the accelerometer

Bathing

Feeding

Walking

Resting

Be a wildlife detective! What is this elephant doing?

GPS Location

Behavior

Time

Bathing

Feeding

Walking

Resting

Potential elephant in

distress!

How accelerometers can save elephants

Behaviors to identify:

• Low activity levels• Possible elephant in distress

Immediate alert sent to:

• Conservation biologists• Wildlife veterinarians• Wildlife Service• Anti-poaching units

GPS LocationBehavior

Time

This alarm system enables conservationists to be on the scene in minutes to aid the elephant and hopefully catch poachers.