Addo Deploys AI Collar Tracking to Combat Rhino Poaching

Addo Elephant National Park has introduced new intelligent collars that use artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to monitor the behaviour of its rhino population and protect it against rhino poaching. SANParks spokesperson JP Louw confirmed the tracking collar aids in swift tracking and response to any poaching activities by sending instant alerts with the rhinos’ GPS locations.

The technology enables the monitoring of various behaviours such as fighting, mating, and birthing, further assisting in the conservation of these threatened animals and habitat conservation for this Big Five park’s 180,000-hectare range. To date, 31 collars have been donated by conservation stakeholders, including Stop Rhino Poaching and Animal Survival International, Dancing for Rhinos, and Rouxcell Technology.

Rhino lef with an AI collar — A rhino fitted with a collar using AI algorithms to continuously monitor behaviour, generating real-time GPS alerts for any potential poaching incidents | Photo credit: SANParks.

Rhino Poaching Rises in South Africa

Rhino poaching in South Africa increased by 10.3% in 2023. Some 406 rhinos were killed on state land in 2023, with a further 93 killed on private land. South Africa is home to almost half of Africa’s critically endangered black rhinos and the world’s largest population of near-threatened white rhinos.

Addo Elephant National Park, situated near Gqeberha in South Africa, is the country’s third-largest national park. The park’s black rhino population is mainly descendants of about 22 original individuals, distributed across three separately fenced sections: Main Camp, Darlington, and Nyathi. Addo is also world-renowned for spectacular elephant viewing, with over 600 elephants adding to its Big Five safari appeal.

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Written by Micky Baker

• Travel Writer

Micky is an experienced writer and photographer with a fiery passion for conservation, ecology, and human rights. He's also an avid safari-goer.

Verified by Chrizaan Troch

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Chrizaan combines her passion for wildlife with extensive experience to create perfectly tailored itineraries for her clients.

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