AI surveillance foils major poaching bid in Similipal, 39 poachers arrested

In a major crackdown on wildlife crime, the Forest Department of Odisha government on Friday arrested as many as 39 poachers from the Similipal Sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district after they were detected by Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled surveillance cameras.

According to official sources, the poachers were spotted inside the South Division of the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary through AI cameras installed for real-time monitoring of forest activities. The advanced surveillance system captured their movement and provided precise location details along with exact timing, enabling swift action by authorities.

Acting promptly on the AI alert, the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) and forest personnel jointly launched a raid inside the sanctuary. During the operation, as many as 39 individuals were apprehended.

Forest officials also seized a large cache of weapons and explosives from the accused. The recovered items include nine country-made firearms, 20 bows, and a substantial quantity of explosives, along with other hunting equipment used for poaching activities.

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All the arrested individuals are reportedly residents of areas under Udala police station limits near the sanctuary.

Authorities stated that the timely and accurate information provided by the AI surveillance system played a crucial role in foiling what appeared to be a major hunting operation.

Further investigation is underway, and legal action has been initiated against the accused under relevant wildlife protection laws.