AI-Powered Systems To Avoid Human-Wildlife Conflict in Tirumala Hills

The Tirupati Forest Division has employed artificial intelligence to  enhance wildlife monitoring. AI is expanding the horizons of human life and utilizing the same technology the foresters are attempting to mitigate conflict between man and wildlife, to ensure safety of pilgrims and also the rich biodiversity of Tirumala Hills, especially the Seshachalam Biosphere. Recently, two leopards were captured form Sri Venkateswara University premises, and released into the forest.

Under the new initiative, a sophisticated surveillance system will be put in place to monitor the movement of the wild animals in the Hills, specially leopards and sloth bears. Over 100 camera traps have been installed along the Alipiri footpath, to track the wild animals.

In addition, 30 solar-powered live-streaming cameras have been fixed at strategic locations, providing real-time alerts to control stations. Through this system, the foresters aim to ensure prompt response to potential human-wildlife encounters. The forest officials are also contemplating to introduce AI-based technologies, like AI-enabled camera traps, predictive analytics for conflict forecasting and drones would also be used for aerial monitoring.

Cage traps have also been set up in high-conflict zones to catch leopards. Basing on the camera trap data, it was found that leopards are extending their range from the Narasimha Swamy temple towards the 7th Mile, and Tirumala foothills, emphasizing the need to monitor the corridor.

Apart from leopards, an Elephant Task Force has also been constituted to avoid human-elephant conflict.

The forest division also took up a major greenery programme in the Tirumala Hills, in coordination with the TTD, aiming to increase the forest cover to 80% by 2027-28, from the current 68.14%. The TTD has allocated Rs 650 lakh budget for the green drive.