shloboe boe
Jacqueline Ntaka
Feature
Zimbabwe, celebrated for its rich biodiversity and iconic wildlife, stands at a pivotal moment in its efforts to protect its natural heritage. While challenges such as poor health, inadequate nutrition, and poaching have impacted its wildlife, the emergence of innovative technologies presents a remarkable opportunity.
By embracing cutting-edge solutions and learning from successful initiatives in other nations, Zimbabwe has the potential to safeguard and revitalise its wildlife, ensuring a thriving future for its unique ecosystems.
One of the most effective technologies in wildlife conservation is the use of drones. In countries like Kenya, drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras are deployed to monitor wildlife and detect poachers, especially at night. These drones provide real-time data, allowing rangers to respond swiftly to threats. Zimbabwe could adopt similar drone technology to patrol vast areas like Hwange National Park, enhancing anti-poaching efforts and ensuring the safety of endangered species.
GPS tracking is another powerful tool that has revolutionised wildlife conservation. In Namibia, GPS collars are used to track the movements of elephants and other large mammals. This technology helps conservationists understand migration patterns, identify critical habitats, and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. By fitting GPS collars on Zimbabwe’s elephants, lions, and rhinos, authorities can monitor their movements, ensure they have access to adequate food and water, and protect them from poachers.
Camera traps have proven invaluable in studying and protecting wildlife. In the Amazon rainforest, camera traps have captured rare footage of elusive species like jaguars, providing crucial data on their behaviour and population sizes. Zimbabwe could deploy camera traps in its national parks to monitor species such as leopards and pangolins. This non-intrusive method allows for continuous observation without disturbing the animals, aiding in the collection of authentic data.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also making significant strides in wildlife conservation. In India, AI algorithms analyse camera trap images to identify and count animals, significantly reducing the time required for data processing. AI can also predict poaching hotspots by analysing patterns and trends. Implementing AI in Zimbabwe could enhance the efficiency of wildlife monitoring and provide predictive insights to prevent poaching incidents.
Satellite technology offers a broader perspective on wildlife conservation. In the United States, satellites are used to monitor large-scale environmental changes, such as deforestation and habitat loss. This technology can be utilised in Zimbabwe to track changes in land use, detect illegal mining activities, and assess the health of ecosystems. By integrating satellite data with ground-based observations, conservationists can make informed decisions to protect wildlife habitats.
Blockchain technology, though primarily associated with finance, has found applications in conservation.
In Africa, blockchain is used to ensure transparency in the supply chain of wildlife products, helping to combat illegal trade. Zimbabwe could leverage blockchain to track and verify the origin of wildlife products, ensuring they are sourced sustainably and legally.
Zimbabwe’s commitment to wildlife conservation can be further strengthened by involving local communities. Citizen science platforms, such as eBird and iNaturalist, enable the public to contribute to wildlife monitoring. By encouraging Zimbabweans to report wildlife sightings and participate in conservation efforts, the country can build a robust database of biodiversity and foster a sense of stewardship among its citizens.
Jacqueline Ntaka is the CEO of Mviyo Technologies, a local tech company that provides custom software development, mobile applications and data analytics solutions. She can be contacted on jackie.ntaka@mviyo.com
