KATHMANDU — Bhadai Tharu recalls a tiger attack that changed his life. This incident occurred at around 1 p.m. on January 6, 2004, leaving him blind in his left eye. Now 59, Tharu, who serves as the chair of the Gauri Community Forest adjacent to Bardiya National Park, holds no animosity toward tigers. He notes that when such attacks happen, it often leads to anger among people. However, he believes that tigers play an important role in the ecosystem and that humans and tigers can coexist.
Nepal’s tiger population has hit an all-time high of 429, with Bardiya National Park home to 112 of these big cats. To help reduce conflicts between humans and tigers, researchers have drawn inspiration from local wisdom: the ability to listen to the forest. A recent study described a pilot project where an artificial intelligence system was developed to “listen” for alarm calls made by chital deer (Axis axis). This system helps to identify areas where tigers (Panthera tigris) or leopards (Panthera pardus) may be present, allowing people to avoid those regions.
Before researchers introduced sensors and advanced technology, Indigenous communities in Bardiya had already understood the importance of paying attention to the forest. This story was originally published on Mongabay. What are your thoughts on using technology like this to prevent wildlife attacks?
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Source: Mongabay Animals, by Abhaya Raj Joshi