27 June,2023:Environment and wildlife protection have received support from DP world, a leading provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain solutions. The company has provided thermal drones for the Tadoba- Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. A one-year training for the forest field staff and on-site support on operating drones is also planned.
The state of Maharashtra house the largest and oldest park – the Tadoba – Andhari Tiger Reserve. This reserve has at least 80 tigers and over 200 tigers in the larger landscape. This is prone to fire hazards, since the reserve has a dry deciduous tropical forest ecosystem and hence necessitates timely detection of forest fires.
DP World has funded Mavic 3 Enterprise Series drones by DJI. The features include a 56× zoom camera, thermal imaging camera, a mechanical shutter, and RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) module for centimeter-level precision, which increases the mapping and mission efficiency when being used for surveillance.
The utility and support of these drones will be experienced while collecting data from inaccessible landscapes, measuring water body levels and helping in creation of maps which will enhance biodiversity documentation.
Assistance on early detection of ground fires, enhancing rescue and wildlife tracking capability, reducing forest offences and ensuring the safety of the forest field staff and the local community will be done through the thermal imaging capability of the drones.
Vice President, Commercial & Business Development –Mr. Kevin D’Souza, DP World Subcontinent mentioned that DP World was committed to the protection of the environment, conservation of wildlife as well as supporting those involved in forest and wildlife protection. He went on to add that the data collected by drones could be used to take well-planned precautionary steps which would directly protect forests and wildlife. The lives of forest field staff and the local community will be safeguarded and also of the local community who lived on the fringe areas of the forest.
Dr. Jitendra Ramgaokar IFS Field Director, TATR and Executive Director TATR Conservation Foundation – Dr. Jitendra Ramgaokar was thankful for the thermal drones provided by DP World. He drew attention to the difficulty faced in monitoring the reserve especially the human habitations in the fringe section at night. This in turn adds to the problem of managing man animal conflict situations and tracking of the animals. The drones with their advanced technology will equip their rescue and rapid response teams as well as their field staff, to help them protect the endangered species in the forest and help them prevent illicit acts in and around the forest area.
DP World tackles unlawful wildlife trade as part of an industry task force that is led by “United for Wildlife.” This partners with key stakeholders to tackle unlawful wildlife trade. A total of 11 commitments have been signed by DP World which include stopping the transportation and trade of illegal wildlife products.
# DP World # Wild life # illegal wildlife products # wildlife trade # Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve # Environment and wildlife protection #thermal drones # Kevin D’Souza # Dr. Jitendra Ramgaokar
