Using Surveillance to Limit Endangered Animal Poaching

Using Surveillance to Limit Endangered Animal Poaching

Research Question

In analyzing how surveillance works to limit endangering animal poaching, the main research question in the article was on what technology works best in protecting endangered species.  It is illustrated by how the paper concentrates more on the use of technology for nature by going through different tech-ways that protect wildlife. One of the technological methods applied discussed is the use of drone which is believed to be the best for offering wildlife protection. Marks (2014) explain that in the fight of wildlife poachers, the use of these drones has been confirmed to be effective in fighting the problem. The article with this manages to answer the research question by pointing out how integration in technology has helped in closing off the gaps that exist in protection of the endangered species.

Procedures of Data Collection

As a way of collecting data, the researcher applied survey method of collecting data for statistical analysis.  A survey was done by focusing on surveillance technologies which were analyzed to determine the most effective one.  This included using reports from different wildlife programs which were then looked at to determine the number of elephant and rhinos that have been killed over the past (Marks, 2014).  With this, different technological integration tools were used to determine ways of curbing the deaths of these species.  Here, the research involved going using two field tests from national parks where they placed drones which monitored the elephants and rhinos herds day and night. It allowed the researchers to gather data by use of live footages which captured some of the poachers tracking the animal herds.

Observational data was collected which was useful in giving appropriate answer to the research question.  With the use of online surveillance, it was easy to monitor the poachers and their attempts to attack the lives of the elephants and black rhinos.  It was a reliable method considering it addressed the key areas needed to answer the research question. In attempting to evaluate the best technology to use in protecting the species, the use of survey method worked effectively in gathering information of the advantages of using drones over other methods that have been applied in the past.  It was discovered that drones worked well in capturing live footages which provided the exact location and timing needed to catch the poachers making the task easier.

Research Evidence

In determining the answer to the research question, the researchers came up with findings which indicated that technology is needed in protecting wildlife.  According to Marks (2014), the surveillance technology was criticized as having limited possibilities in conducting investigations which require that sustainable strategies are used to enhance their operations.  Here, the researchers discovered that in getting a reliable method, it had to be practical and cost-effective to help in protecting the species. This finding was useful considering it gave a clear picture of what to look for when getting a technological method to be applied in protecting these endangered animals.  By being able to identify the gaps existing which are the unlimited possibilities in these equipment’s, it is clear that proper measures will be devised in the use of these drones to improve their effectiveness.

Reliability of the Research

The method of data collection was effective considering it focused on using two national parks where the drones were used to collect live footages. By having live footages, the accuracy of the research was boosted as it aloe them to monitor every activity done by the poachers at the right time. This was efficient in analyzing findings as to whether the use of drone is effective in the protection of the endangered species.  With evaluation done from the footages, the researchers managed to also determine whether the use of this technology would apply well in other parks by working with a large sample population. Lastly, the ability to work together with other programs that fight poaching such as the Zambian Carnivore Program in testing other equipment’s such as the VHF-radio-equipped quadcopter drones was helpful in answering the research question (Marks, 2014). The testing of this equipment is a measure of reliability of the use of drones which determines its usefulness in eradicating the endangering of the species in parks.  Here, it created an opportunity for getting accessible scores of the drones thereby improving the quality of the research.

Implications of this Research

This research will have an impact in the future where it will be used in determining the gaps that will be needed to be filled. With growth in technology, it is expected that new researchers will come up with different ideas on combating poaching of some of the endangered species in the parks. With reference to this research, they will be able to identify what to add on it and make the fight against poaching a success. All species in the national parks need to be protected from any form of harm by the Tourism departments across all nations globally. This research was therefore be useful as it focuses more on crime-fighting technologies which sensitize the wildlife departments to also work in protecting the species.  In addition to that, with the need to coming up with technological equipment’s that will have a lot of possibilities, this research will be used in analyzing the effectiveness of the use of drones and what can be done to make them more effective.

Reference

Marks, P. (2014).  Elephants and rhinos benefit from drone surveillance. NewScientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn25056-elephants-and-rhinos-benefit-from-drone-surveillance/