Thiruvananthapuram: Artificial intelligence (AI)-based smart fencing to prevent wild animals from entering human habitats is being expanded to more areas in Keralam after a pilot project initiated in Wayanad in 2024 was …

Thiruvananthapuram: Artificial intelligence (AI)-based smart fencing to prevent wild animals from entering human habitats is being expanded to more areas in Keralam after a pilot project initiated in Wayanad in 2024 was found to be very effective.Considered the first-of-its-kind smart fencing development in the country, the Ele-Fence AI Smart Fence has so far prevented 47 instances of wild elephants entering human habitats at Chelakkolly in the Irulam forest range of South Wayanad since its commissioning on a pilot basis in 2024. The model has now been replicated in Mullaringad on the Kochi-Idukki border.The AI fencing has brought considerable relief to people in the region from rampant wild elephant threats, forest department officials said.The AI fencing has brought considerable relief to people in the region from rampant wild elephant threats. Technology expert Mohan Menon, who had earlier worked with the Indian Railways and the Karnataka Forest Department as a consultant, developed the Ele-Fence AI Smart Fence. It is a multi-layered barrier technology with a virtual barrier consisting of AI cameras, light and sound, and physical barriers comprising solar hanging fences and 12-foot-high fencing using lashing belts.Kerala Forest Minister Shibu Baby John commissioned the AI fence at Mullaringad last week. He said similar technology-based initiatives to mitigate man-animal conflicts would be introduced.”Following back-to-back instances of man-animal conflicts in which lives were lost after animals breached barriers, the AI-based technology was introduced in Chelakkolly. It was found to be very effective and hence it is being extended to more regions. In order to address the cost factor, CSR funds of companies are also being used,” Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden P Pugazhendi told DH.Menon said the model he developed after spending many years understanding animal psychology had even received enquiries from the United Nations.AI-fencing. How it worksThe AI system can identify the presence of animals from a distance of up to 100 metres. It delivers high-decibel sounds and flashes lights that can chase away the animal. The solar hanging fence and fencing using lashing belts form the next level of barriers.”Mostly, the animals are chased away by the light and sound. In case the barriers remain the same, the animals will be able to get accustomed to them and breach the barriers once they become familiar with them. Hence, the patterns of the flashing lights and the decibel level of the sound will keep changing based on the AI-based system,” Menon said.The system also delivers swift alerts to control rooms, thereby giving forest rapid response teams adequate time to reach the spot.At present, the systems are implemented in elephant-prone areas and are therefore customised to chase away elephants. Based on requirements, they can be adjusted to chase away other wild animals as well, Menon said.Though the cost of setting up one kilometre of AI fencing comes to around Rs 1.3 crore, Menon said it is cheaper compared to rail fencing.A 430-metre hybrid model has been set up at Kothamangalam at a cost of Rs 40 lakh with CSR funds from Cochin Shipyard. AI fencing is now planned at three more man-animal conflict-prone spots in Wayanad, Malayatoor on the outskirts of Kochi and Konni in Pathanamthitta.

Source: Deccan Herald