Wildlife crimes, such as poaching and illegal trafficking, have long been a challenge in Bangladesh. The country’s forest department has relied heavily on volunteers, social media, and phone communication to track and prevent these activities.
However, this method has many limitations, making it difficult to respond quickly and effectively. To address these challenges, Bangladesh has recently adopted modern technology to strengthen its wildlife crime control efforts.
By introducing surveillance drones, GPS trackers, night-vision binoculars, forensic tools, and other advanced equipment, the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) is now better prepared to monitor poaching activities, rescue animals in distress, and track criminals involved in wildlife crimes.
These technologies are expected to make a significant difference in protecting Bangladesh’s rich biodiversity and ensuring stronger enforcement of conservation laws. Want to know more about it? Check this out.
How New Technology is Helping in Wildlife Protection
One of the most important advancements in Bangladesh’s fight against wildlife crimes is the introduction of surveillance drones. These drones help wildlife inspectors quickly scan large areas for illegal activities without having to travel long distances. In November, wildlife inspector Abdullah As Sadeque used a drone in Gopalganj district to search for bird poachers.
By flying the drone over a vast swamp, he quickly located hidden bird traps, something that would have taken an entire day using traditional patrol methods. The operation resulted in the rescue of several birds and the arrest of two poachers. In addition to drones, the WCCU has received other high-tech equipment from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes to help combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
These tools include wireless communication devices, GPS-enabled action cameras, microchip implants for animals, forensic testing tools, and tranquilizing equipment. With these resources, the WCCU can now respond faster to incidents and gather evidence more effectively, which will strengthen legal action against poachers.
Bangladesh is catching up with its neighboring countries, which have been using technology in wildlife protection for over a decade. Nepal introduced drones for surveillance in 2012, and India followed in 2013. The adoption of similar technology in Bangladesh marks a major step forward in wildlife conservation efforts.
Preventing Wildlife Deaths
The need for advanced technology became clear after several tragic wildlife deaths in Bangladesh. In November, a wild elephant was found dead in Madhutila Eco Park after it wandered away from its herd and was electrocuted by power lines.
In February, a leopard was discovered dead in the Nagar River, suspected to have been poisoned after eating a cow carcass laced with chemicals. These cases highlight the risks faced by animals as they stray into human settlements due to habitat destruction.
Wildlife inspectors believe that such deaths could have been prevented if drones and other monitoring devices had been available earlier. With surveillance drones, inspectors could have tracked the movements of these stray animals.
Also, they can take action to guide them back to their natural habitats before they encountered danger. These deaths emphasize why modern technology is crucial in preventing unnecessary loss of wildlife.
In many countries, radio collars, satellite tracking, and motion-detecting camera traps are already being used to track animal movements and detect threats in real time. AI-based tools such as the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) and Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK).
It also helps law enforcement agencies analyze crime patterns and predict poaching activities. Conservationists believe that if Bangladesh expands its use of these technologies, the country could significantly reduce wildlife-related crimes and accidents.
Technology in Bangladesh
Around the world, technology is playing an increasingly important role in wildlife protection. From satellite tracking to AI-powered crime analysis, modern tools allow conservationists to monitor animal populations and respond to threats more effectively. In Bangladesh, the WCCU has started using several new technologies to strengthen its operations.
One of the biggest advantages of technology is its ability to analyze large amounts of data. AI-based tools can scan thousands of images from camera traps and drones to detect unusual activity.
This allows law enforcement agencies to track poachers, identify wildlife trafficking routes, and predict future threats. The data collected can also help researchers study migration patterns, habitat destruction, and climate change impacts on different species.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed how technology can help conservation efforts. During lockdowns, poaching activities increased as fewer law enforcement officers were available to patrol protected areas.
In many regions, camera traps and motion-detecting sensors helped rangers identify illegal activities and respond faster. Similar systems could be implemented in Bangladesh to improve wildlife monitoring and law enforcement.
In addition to surveillance and crime tracking, technology also helps in educating the public about wildlife conservation. Several YouTubers, social media influencers, and video creators have joined hands with the WCCU to raise awareness about wildlife protection.
They share videos of rescued animals, reports on poaching incidents, and stories about endangered species, encouraging people to report illegal activities and support conservation efforts.
How Bangladesh is Strengthening
Since its establishment in 2012, Bangladesh’s Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) has made significant progress in fighting wildlife crimes. The unit has rescued around 35,000 birds, over 10,000 reptiles, and approximately 13,000 mammals from illegal traders.
They have also seized 14,500 wildlife parts, detected over 26,000 wildlife offenses, and arrested 219 individuals involved in poaching and trafficking.
Despite these achievements, the WCCU has faced many challenges, including limited resources and lack of advanced equipment. Until recently, wildlife crime control relied heavily on volunteers, social media reports, and direct phone calls.
More than 10,000 volunteers from 150 conservation groups provide valuable information, helping the WCCU track poaching incidents and respond quickly. However, without proper tools, it has often been difficult to gather strong evidence and prevent crimes before they happen.
Recognizing these limitations, Bangladesh’s forest department has now integrated advanced technology into crime control strategies. The WCCU has also been included as a responder to Bangladesh’s national emergency service (999), making it easier for citizens to report wildlife crimes.
Additionally, the unit has introduced i2 software, which provides detailed crime reports, data on criminal networks, and hotspot maps. These technological improvements are expected to make wildlife crime investigations more effective and increase the chances of successful prosecutions.
Bangladesh has the potential to become a leader in wildlife conservation in South Asia by combining traditional knowledge, modern tools, and strong legal enforcement. The country can better protect its forests, rivers, and diverse wildlife species for future generations.
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