Surveillance System Used to Deter Rhino Poachers

Surveillance System Used to Deter Rhino Poachers

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Jul 21, 2015

The use of security cameras for protection is so diverse that it’s actually seeping into the animal kingdom! UK conservationists have created a system using GPS tags, heart rate monitors and embedded cameras to deter poachers from slaughtering rhinos.

Adequately named the Real-time Poaching Intelligence Device (RAPID) and created by British nonprofit Protect, this device is currently being tested in South Africa. Unfortunately, rhino populations are dwindling there due to threats from poachers seeking their horns.

RAPID relies on heart rate monitors that are embedded under the skin of the rhinos. If the rhino’s heart rate increases or decreases, RAPID sends an alert to operators at a control desk who immediately activate a tiny camera implanted into the horn of the rhino. If live camera footage reveals the rhino is in harm’s way, a GPS attached to the rhino’s neck with a leather collar, reveals to park authorities exactly where the helpless rhino is located so they can come to their aid by deploying anti-poaching forces.

The following video shows life from the eyes of a Rhino!

More than 1,200 rhinos were killed in South Africa last year which equals one rhino death every eight hours. The hope is that RAPID will act as a deterrent to poachers and help make keeping these creatures safe for years to come. Protect also hopes to adapt RAPID to other endangered/threatened species, like elephants, lions and whales. A version for tigers is already in development.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

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