Gilgit-Baltistan (TDI): In a collaborative step towards wildlife conservation and community safety, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) have introduced artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cameras.
The cameras are designed to detect snow leopards and help prevent human-wildlife conflicts in Pakistan’s mountainous regions.
The initiative focuses on protecting Pakistan’s snow leopard population, estimated at around 300, which is the third-largest population globally.
Snow leopards are often forced into human settlements while searching for food, frequently leading to the loss of livestock and retaliatory killings.
According to WWF, an estimated 221 to 450 snow leopards are killed each year globally, largely due to such conflicts.
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Currently, ten AI-powered cameras are undergoing testing across three villages in Gilgit-Baltistan. Mounted on towers at an altitude of around 3,000 meters, the cameras are equipped with solar-powered systems to ensure round-the-clock surveillance in remote, rugged terrains.
The advanced software distinguishes between humans, livestock, and snow leopards, and aims to alert villagers in real-time, reducing the likelihood of surprise encounters.
Installing and adapting the technology for the harsh mountain environment presented several challenges.
WWF teams conducted extensive tests to select batteries capable of withstanding freezing temperatures. Additionally, special non-reflective paint was used to prevent the cameras from scaring away wildlife.
Despite the technical strides, community reception has been mixed. Some villagers expressed concerns about the project, questioning its potential benefits for both people and wildlife.
Instances of tampering, including cut wires and cameras covered by blankets, have been reported. WWF conservationist Asif Iqbal acknowledged the skepticism but emphasized ongoing community engagement to build trust.
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Privacy concerns also prompted WWF to relocate some cameras and delay installations in areas where residents have not yet signed consent agreements.
For local residents like Sitara, who lost her livestock to a snow leopard, the promise of AI alerts offers cautious hope. However, connectivity issues remain a barrier, with Sitara questioning whether timely notifications can be received in remote areas with poor mobile signals.
Looking ahead, the WWF plans to complement the camera system with additional deterrent measures, including the use of smells, noises, and lights, with testing scheduled to begin in September.
This joint effort highlights the potential of technology in addressing conservation challenges while balancing the concerns of local communities.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
