Alex Rose-Innes
Since the launch of the MEERKAT surveillance system in the Kruger National Park in South Africa (SA), future wildlife poachers came up against a formidable enemy.
The Postcode MEERKAT is a joint project between the Kruger National Park(KNP) in Mpumalanga in SA, the SA National Parks (SANParks) and the SA Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
This cutting edge technology comprises a suite of radar and electro-optic sensors able to detect, classify, monitor and track humans moving in the KNP over a wide area. This state-of-the-art system is mobile so it can be rapidly deployed to prevent poaching crisis zones from developing.
Since its inception four years ago, the MEERKAT significantly increased the KNP’s ability to protect rhino and other vulnerable species. It had enhanced the capacity to combat wildlife crime in conjunction with various other systems already in place, including improved ranger skills and support, increased aerial and ground mobility, gate access control and zones with increased wildlife protection.
It had been the first time this type of unique technology had been designed and applied to address poaching in a bushveld environment. It had been built with the ability to significantly increase KNP’s ability to protect rhino and other vulnerable species. It had since enhanced the Park’s capacity to combat wildlife crime, in conjunction with various other systems already in place. This had led to improved ranger skills and support, increased aerial and ground mobility, gate access control and zones with increased wildlife protection.
The MEERKAT, aptly named after the furry creature known for its innate ability to stand sentry and keep the group safe while foraging for food. The MEERKAT techno “animal” improves ranger reaction times to possible poaching events and allows for better preparation and support to the proactive apprehension of poachers, ideal for saving wildlife and human lives. It could also be applied in a conservation role to increase understand of animal behaviour.
Apart from developing and manufacturing the system, the CSIR would continue to be part of this project and provide ongoing technical and administrative support to the KNP.
Funding for the development and deployment of the MEERKAT was secured by the Peace Parks Foundation from the People’s Postcode Lottery in the UK, the first ever financial support from this organisation.
*The CSIR in South Africa is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. It undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research, technological innovation and industrial and scientific development to improve the quality of life of the country’s people.
The Peace Parks Foundation facilitates the establishment of seamless conservation areas and develops human resources, thereby supporting sustainable economic development, the conservation of biodiversity and regional peace and stability.
Since 2013, the Foundation had been working closely with the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and its conservation management authorities, SANParks and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to initiate varied projects as part of the multifaceted Rhino Protection Programme.
The People’s Postcode Lottery (PPL) is a charity lottery in the UK which raises money for global charities It had already raised £154.8 million for good causes. The PPL is part of Novamedia, the world’s third largest private charity donor which had collected €6.6 billion for charity since its inception 25 years ago.
