Elephants will protect acoustic sensors shooting

The installation on the largest land animals on the planet GPS trackers allows you to track their movement, but not the attack of the poachers. But because those compromises are not willing to go, the African Rangers enlisted the support of American scientists. They have designed a sensor that responds to the sound of shooting from hunting weapon.

The sensor works in conjunction with a GPS beacon, and if the elephant will be shot, on the tablet, the Ranger will immediately display the coordinates of a scene. The technology is called the WIPER and is designed to be used in the world of wildlife. The acoustic sensor is configured to capture and recognize the sound waves from firearms, both conventional and equipped with a silencer.

The guaranteed radius of the sensor is 50 m, so that from a sniper’s bullet, this device will not save elephants. And not too wise to attack such a well prepared bandit – for this purpose, special police forces and other methods. The calculation is made on the ability to quickly calculate the poachers and hunters are bullies who like to shoot at animals for fun.

One sensor, in theory, can cover a small herd of elephants, since these animals live together and hold heap. Battery life is one year, but the WIPER sensors are being designed on an open platform to provide compatibility with different GPS modules and expand their potential. Ideally, the forest services of different countries will be able to buy random models of the trackers, to connect the acoustic sensor to supply its wards of animals this kind of alarm.

The first field trials of the new technology will be held this summer in Northern Kenya.
Source — Vanderbilt University