1. World Wildlife Magazine
  2. Fall 2016

WWF introduces innovative technologies to combat poaching in Kenya

In March, WWF staff and local partners installed thermal imaging cameras in two protected areas—fixed-location cameras in one, and a mobile camera on a patrol vehicle in the other. The WWF-engineered cameras identify poachers from afar via their body heat, and are linked to computer software that can distinguish human movement from that of wildlife. They alert park rangers to the presence of intruders and enable rangers on patrol to see poachers before poachers see them.

  • Tower-mounted solar panels for FLIR camera

    Night vision

    Working with the Kenya Wildlife Service, the team installed tower-mounted solar panels, which power the fixed FLIR cameras and software system at a protected area in Kenya.

  • Structure for FLIR camera

    From scratch

    Eric Becker (center left), conservation technology engineer at WWF, designed the combined FLIR camera and software system, and created a new housing structure to hold them.

  • Mara Conservancy mobile camera training

    Hands on

    At the Mara Conservancy at Maasai Mara National Reserve, WCTP director Colby Loucks (near right) talks with rangers about how to work the mobile camera system.

  • Mara Conservancy mobile camera training

    Testing, testing

    Rangers in the antipoaching unit train on the newly installed mobile FLIR camera system at the Mara Conservancy.

     

  • Testing controls

    ... 1, 2, 3

    Ranger Lema Lankas tests the control board to pan and tilt the mobile FLIR camera mounted on top of the truck. The camera can focus on objects (like poachers) nearly a mile away.

  • Elephants

    Safe and sound

    WCTP technology advances—made possible by a grant from Google.org—complement traditional antipoaching practices and help keep rangers safe.

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World Wildlife magazine provides an inspiring, in-depth look at the connections between animals, people and our planet. Published quarterly by WWF, the magazine helps make you a part of our efforts to solve some of the most pressing issues facing the natural world.

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