Now, an app to monitor wildlife in Mudumalai

Officials can assess the routes covered by the patrolling teams over a period of time and those not covered.— File Photo

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) will soon start using a smartphone app to ensure effective wildlife management and share data in real time.

Talking to The Hindu , the field director of MTR, Srinivas R. Reddy, said that the reserve, spread over 321 sq. km., has 19 anti-poaching camps to prevent poaching and plundering of forest wealth. These camps are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS). To make the best use of technology for effective wildlife management, MTR plans to go in for an app.

The neighbouring Bandipur Tiger Reserve is using an app called HEJJE (HEJJE in Kannada means footprint). Taking a cue, MTR is planning to have a similar but updated app.

Mr. Reddy said that using GPS in all the anti-poaching camps, the entire reserve area has been well mapped and the app will be developed by a Bengaluru-based firm. After due approval and sanction from the Tiger Foundation, the app will be uploaded onto one mobile (smart phone) each in all the 19 camps.

The app will help to verify the details being furnished by anti-poaching watchers who patrol the deep jungles. Manipulation of details will be difficult. Based on the data generated by the app and uploaded to the dedicated and centralised server at the MTR headquarters in Udhagamandalam, officials, including the field director, can assess the routes covered by the patrolling teams over a period of time and the routes not covered.

The recordings in the app can facilitate managerial intervention to ensure fodder and water in deep jungles. In addition, the staff can also take pictures of interesting data such as animal and carcass sightings .

The app will generate data and upload it directly on the server whenever there is signal. When in not reachable areas, it would store the data and transmit it once the smartphone enters signal coverage area.

This will enable the top officials to monitor the conservation works on a real time basis sitting at Udhagamandalam. The app will also help in reducing reaction time .

It will help to verify the details being furnished by anti-poaching watchers who patrol the deep jungles