AI-enabled FLIR thermal cameras equip rangers to prevent rhino poaching

The Artificial-Intelligence-enabled thermal camera systems installed at the Solio Game Reserve to boost the war against poaching. Photo|WWF-Kenya

Meru National Park will be the fourth rhino sanctuary in the country to benefit from the installation of Artificial Intelligence-enabled Forward Looking Infrared(FLIR) cameras to sustain the goal of zero rhino poaching in Kenya, announced Dr Erustus Kanga-Director General, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

Speaking during the handover of a multi-million-shilling system to KWS and the Solio Game Reserve by our Chief Executive Officer at World Wide Fund for Nature-Kenya — Mohamed Awer, on World Rangers Day, Dr Kanga said that the technology will play a key role in securing 30% of Kenya’s total rhino population at the reserve.

Dr Erustus Kanga-Director General, Kenya Wildlife Service and Mohamed Awer-Chief Executive Officer unveil the monitoring and control room at the Solio Game Reserve on 31 July 2024. Photo|WWF-Kenya

Mr Awer, reiterated that the technology would equip rangers and enhance their efficiency in delivering the critical work of protecting Kenya’s rhinos.

He highlighted that WWF has collaborated with the Kenyan government to conserve rhinos since the early 1960s, and Solio is the third rhino sanctuary to receive the technology from WWF, following installation at the Lake Nakuru National Park and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Commending the collaborative implementation of the project, which was funded by the US Government, WWF-US, KWS, and Teledyne FLIR, with technical support from Ol Pejeta, Colby Loucks — WWF-US Vice President, applauded the efficiency in the installation and use of the AI-enabled thermal cameras.

Geoffrey Chege (in a white t-shirt) explains to the team how the FLIR thermal camera systems work. Chege is the Black Rhino Programme Coordinator at WWF-Kenya. Photo|WWF-Kenya

Loucks noted that the technology provides automated alerts of intrusions or movements of humans, wildlife, or vehicles within the detection area and sends real-time alerts to the operators, triggering the appropriate response.

Black rhinos pictured at the Solio Game Reserve. Photo | WWF-Kenya

Kevin Carr-Hartley, Managing Director of Solio Game Reserve, concluded by saying every day is World Rangers Day for rhino rangers at the frontline, and enhancing their safety and efficiency through technology is a priority.

From recent peak levels witnessed in 2013, the rhino poaching rate in Kenya has plummeted, even reaching zero in 2020.

A group photo of the teams from KWS, US Government, Solio Game Reserve and WWF that attended the handing ceremony for the FLIR thermal camera systems at Solio on 31 July 2024. Photo | WWF-Kenya

The use of technology has played a key role in this success story. Through public-private and community partnerships, WWF continues to support strengthening the capacity of sanctuaries to protect rhinos.

By Judy Kosgei-Head of Communications, WWF-Kenya