Written by: Basant El-Farmawy
Researchers have invented an advanced technical system that integrates artificial intelligence with traditional local knowledge in Nepal, aimed at predicting the presence of tigers and reducing attacks and dangerous encounters between humans and predatory animals in community forests and areas surrounding natural reserves.
Listening to forest sounds and converting them into data
The pilot project was inspired by the ancient survival skill long relied upon by local residents of listening to forest sounds. Researchers trained a lightweight AI model to track and sense alarm calls issued by prey animals such as spotted deer, macaques, and langurs when sensing the danger of predators like tigers and leopards. The team installed solar-powered acoustic monitoring devices in community forests adjacent to Bardia National Park. When alarm sounds are detected, the system transmits data over a wireless network to generate real-time maps highlighting areas that humans should avoid entering to collect firewood or graze livestock.
Public support and funding obstacles halt the project
Forest rangers and local residents who have lived through previous experiences with attacks confirmed that the system's alerts accurately match signs and observations on the ground, helping to warn citizens in advance and avoid risks. However, despite encouraging results and positive feedback from local communities, the pilot project was halted and not expanded due to a lack of funding and institutional support necessary for continued operation and staffing, ultimately leading to the transfer of equipment to India to continue developing and testing the idea in other environments, amid official calls for long-term evaluations of modern conservation technologies.
