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Technology to avoid the extinction of species

Poaching is increasing around the world. They kill rhinos to sell their horns, sharks for their fins, elephants because their tusks are used in Chinese medicine, tigers and other animals for fun. Any help to stop this scourge is good. Technology can help save species from extinction.

The mafias organize and finance themselves, while the governments of some of the countries where this illegal hunting takes place do not have the resources to stop the criminals. In particular, they lack trained guards and money. So maybe it’s time to turn to your imagination and electronic devices .

You may also be interested in: How technology affects the environment

Drones

There is increasing talk about these devices, which are small pilotless airplanes that are operated by remote control. They have cameras and other types of sensors. They are becoming cheaper to build and easier to use and offer greater possibilities for conservationists and rangers. And they are used to protect some species in danger of extinction in Kenya, Nepal and elsewhere. Even to follow whales across the ocean.

Gps

Geolocation systems together with the technology provided by Google and collars located on the necks (or devices in other parts of the body) of animals, can save many lives. Google Earth provides a wealth of information for scientists and conservationists. It can also be a real-time poaching surveillance tool. The Save the Elephants organization uses this Google technology, along with GPS collars, to track the movements of herds of elephants. You can tell if an animal has stopped moving, which can mean that it has been the victim of illegal hunting.

Fences with alarm

The Service for the Protection of Wild Fauna Kenya will start using this high technology in certain game reserves to try to keep poachers away from endangered species. If hunters approach the fences, an alarm will sound, warning both the ranger and the animals themselves. It is a technology that can be used for areas that are not too large. In Kenya, they expect these fences to prevent up to 90% of poaching in fenced areas.

Hidden cameras

They are called TrailGuards, tiny cameras that hide in places like tree trunks, bushes or crevices in the trails. They are activated by the movement of large animals, but also if humans approach: the hunter stealthy would be recorded in the photograph. Through an internet connection, images are sent instantly. The downside is that it is quite expensive technology . On the other hand, the discovered poacher can flee.

DNA tracking

It is a way to discourage hunters poachers : if they can not sell their merchandise, they perish not worth risk killing the animal. It is being tested with some species. For example, with sharks, when they are confiscated. Scientists use the DNA to track where it was hunted and to notify local authorities. It is effective for the species that inhabit specific places. It is also used with confiscated rhinos and horns.

Trap with emergency alerts

In this case, it is about fighting against the fixed traps that the hunters place. Loops or hooks to catch lions, cheetahs, leopards and other mammals. It is a form of slow and painful death, until the hunters poachers come to check traps. It is a collar similar to the one used for GPS location. This necklace, if it falls into a trap, alerts the team to release it back to its natural habitat.

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Hello, I am a blogger specialized in environmental, health and scientific dissemination issues in general. The best way to define myself as a blogger is by reading my texts, so I encourage you to do so. Above all, if you are interested in staying up to date and reflecting on these issues, both on a practical and informative level.

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