Bring on the drones: how a technology revolution is being rolled out across Africa’s nature reserves
As graduates of an online training course gather from across the continent, the consensus is overwhelming: computers and saving animals go together
TL;DR
- An online training course for protected area technicians (PAT) run by the Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF) has brought 21 conservation professionals from across Africa to South Africa for practical training.
- The course aims to bridge the gap between advanced conservation technology and the skilled personnel needed to operate and maintain it.
- Students are learning to use tools such as thermal drones, AI-powered camera traps, and integrated software like EarthRanger to improve wildlife monitoring and protection.
- The technology is proving effective in locating wildlife, such as a cheetah and her cubs at night, and can assist in managing human-wildlife conflict by enabling faster and more accurate ranger deployment.
- The CCF has successfully implemented tech solutions in parks across Africa since 2015, protecting nearly 10 million hectares and fostering better community relationships.
- Efforts are underway to integrate existing technologies, improve internet connectivity in remote areas, and leverage renewable energy sources like solar power for conservation operations.