Rangers were excited to learn about all the features of the Cluey app, and its ease of use.
Last November we were happy to announce that PhD-researcher D.P Srivastava started using the Sensing Clues Wildlife Intelligence Tools Suite to collect and analyse data of tigers in and around the Bhopal city in India. The study aims to understand the situation of tiger presence and survival near the urban landscape of Bhopal City. While the authorities are unsure whether to promote this tiger presence or demote it, tigers seem to survive and continue to use the urban green spaces without any conflict with people. The presence of tigers near urban areas such as Bhopal (over 2.3 million people) is potentially risky for both the tiger and people who live in the area. Insights of Srivastava's project will help the State Forest Department monitor the landscape and mitigate the risks of negative tiger-human interactions.
With the project now more than 4 months underway we spoke with D.P Srivastava for an update on his PhD research.
"As part of my PhD research I am recording all my field observations with the Cluey Data Collector and Tracking app. Up until now I have recorded 595 observations and photos such as carnivore tracks & signs (pugmarks, scats, scratch, kills, etc), prey-base occupancy, based on hoof-marks and pallets, special sightings like vultures and human activities (cutting, logging, NTFP collection, etc) and presence of facilities. The app is very easy to use, offline-based and records all data using GPS."
"When connected back to the network, all collected information is shared and can be viewed in the web-based Focus application. In Focus, the collected information can be displayed on a map or in a list of observations with all specific details. Based on the collected data heat maps and likelihood maps can be generated for any of the observed species, objects (snares, traps, etc), or events (poaching, fire, etc)."
"To expand data collection activities for the research I was fortunate to organize a training session for ground staff of the Bhopal Forect Circle -my study area- of Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. All 100 Forest Guards, Beat Guards and Deputy Rangers were excited to learn about all the features of the Cluey app, and its ease of use."
During the 2 April Wild Spaces Meetup D.P will tell more about his tiger research.
Stay tuned for a next update on this fantastic research project!
Donations are welcome to support this important work.
