Elephant Counting through Satellite Images

IN NEWS

Researchers from University of Oxford and the University of Bath have developed technology to count elephants by the use of satellite imagery.

ABOUT

• This technology was first employed in Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa using images from Maxar satellite.
• Satellite counting is less expensive and better alternative to manned aircraft counting.
• It is more accurate than human detection method and also less challenging as it involves zero man - animal encounter.
• This technology was earlier used to find the secret penguin colony by NASA and also in counting whales in the ocean.
• 40,000 to 50,000 African elephants are left in the world and they are listed as ‘vulnerable’ on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This is due to loss of habitat and poaching.

INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE (IUCN)

• Established in 1948.
• It is the world’s largest global environmental network.
• It is working in 160 countries gathering the latest biodiversity information, accessing the status of species, protecting natural wonders, restoring forests, managing water resources and helping companies to improve their environmental practices.
• It is head quartered at Gland, Switzerland.
• Its director general is Dr Bruno Oberle.
• Red list /Red Data Book was founded in 1964, it is world’s largest inventory about the status of species.