Early detection and deterrence of wild carnivores near human settlements is a fundamental step in human-carnivore conflict management. ANIDERS employs a combination of loud sound and intense light to startle big cats and prevent them from entering human habitations.

In a significant step towards mitigating human-wildlife conflict in the Terai region, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has introduced the Animal Intrusion Detection and Repellent System (ANIDERS) in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aims to address challenges posed by increasing human-wildlife interactions, particularly with flagship species such as tigers and leopards.

The installation of ANIDERS comes at a crucial time as tiger populations in Pilibhit have grown due to effective wildlife management and strict law enforcement. While this is a positive development for conservation and tourism, it has also led to a rise in human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in villages bordering forested areas. ANIDERS, a solar-powered, eco-friendly system, is designed to notify locals of wildlife presence using light and sound deterrents. The objective is to prevent potentially dangerous encounters between humans and wild animals.

Implementation in High-Risk Areas

Early detection and deterrence of wild carnivores near human settlements is a fundamental step in human-carnivore conflict management. ANIDERS employs a combination of loud sound and intense light to startle big cats and prevent them from entering human habitations. In conjunction with camera traps, the system will enhance early warning capabilities, allowing timely intervention.

However, experts stress the importance of relocating ANIDERS units periodically to prevent tigers and leopards from becoming habituated to the deterrent effects. The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Chester Zoo have extended their support to this conservation initiative, underscoring the importance of collaboration in wildlife protection.

According to Mr. Manish Singh, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Division, 10 ANIDERS units have been installed in Mandaria and Dhankuni villages — areas identified as high-risk zones for tiger activity. “With WTI’s support, these installations aim to reduce ongoing conflicts in the region. We hope this measure will bring much-needed relief to local communities,” he stated.

Dr. Dibyadeep Chatterjee, Project Head of WTI Pilibhit, highlighted the initiative’s significance, stating, “This represents a crucial step towards ensuring safer spaces for both communities and wildlife. We are optimistic about the potential of ANIDERS to mitigate conflicts and promote coexistence.”

Under the pilot phase of the project, ANIDERS devices have been strategically placed in sets of five in Mandaria and Dhankuni. These locations, situated within the Pilibhit Social Forestry Area, have been identified as particularly prone to human-wildlife conflicts. The installation was carried out by Kyari Innovation Pvt Ltd, a Delhi-based company, under the technical guidance of Engineer Pradeep Singh.

Community and Stakeholder Involvement

The launch event saw an enthusiastic and collaborative effort from multiple stakeholders. WTI field officers Archit Mishra, Debkanta Kabiraj, Jyoti Antil, Arun Kumar, and program officers Divya Mehra and Sadhika Sehgal played a key role in executing the initiative. They were joined by Assistant Rustam Rana and representatives from the Forest Department, including Range Officer Vineet Srivastava, Deputy Ranger Sher Singh, Forest Guard Soni Singh, and Watcher Rama Avtar.

Local community leaders also actively participated in the initiative. Gram Pradhans Ramesh Kumar (Mandaria) and Prameshwari Dayal (Dhankuni) were present at the launch, demonstrating strong local engagement and support for wildlife conservation efforts.

WTI’s Conservation Efforts

A spokesperson for WTI emphasized the organization’s long-standing commitment to wildlife conservation. Over its 25 years of operations, WTI has made significant contributions, including:

• Saving more than 42,000 animal lives
• Training and equipping 20,000 frontline forest staff
• Assisting the government in establishing seven protected areas
• Sensitising 2.5 million children on conservation issues
• Protecting approximately 1,200 sq km of natural habitat, including mangroves and coral reefs
• Supporting enforcement agencies in combatting wildlife crimes

With the introduction of ANIDERS in Pilibhit, WTI and its partners hope to foster a more harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife, ensuring the safety of both communities and endangered species in the region.