Mettupalayam forest range uses drone to monitor elephants
Coimbatore: On the eve of the World Elephant day, the Mettupalayam forest department have deployed drones to monitor elephants in theOdanthurai reserve area.
Upon the advice of I. Anwardeen, Chief Conservator of Forests, Coimbatore and under the supervision of District Forest Officer Venkatesh, drones are now being used to monitor the pachyderms.
According to officials, the number of wild elephants and their pathways in a particular forest area can be ascertained using drones. Especially, ailing elephants can be spotted and treated with immediate effect, they told.
Through drones, the foresters can stay alerted on elephant herds venturing into human habitats and farmlands. Preparedness on chasing them back into the forests will reduce man-animal conflicts and casualities.
"After the drone is airborne, we can access live feed and geo-location of the elephants. The data will help us trace the exact location, numbers and movement of the elephants. The ground staff can be prepared to reroute the elephant herd towards the forest area, in case they enter into farmlands or residential areas", an official told.
Upon the advice of I. Anwardeen, Chief Conservator of Forests, Coimbatore and under the supervision of District Forest Officer Venkatesh, drones are now being used to monitor the pachyderms.
According to officials, the number of wild elephants and their pathways in a particular forest area can be ascertained using drones. Especially, ailing elephants can be spotted and treated with immediate effect, they told.
Through drones, the foresters can stay alerted on elephant herds venturing into human habitats and farmlands. Preparedness on chasing them back into the forests will reduce man-animal conflicts and casualities.
"After the drone is airborne, we can access live feed and geo-location of the elephants. The data will help us trace the exact location, numbers and movement of the elephants. The ground staff can be prepared to reroute the elephant herd towards the forest area, in case they enter into farmlands or residential areas", an official told.