Bangladesh’s forest department has recently upgraded its crime combat capabilities by incorporating modern technologies and tools, addressing a decade-long lag behind neighboring countries. The wildlife crime control in Bangladesh has been heavily reliant on volunteers connected through telecommunications and social media, with experts emphasizing the importance of technology in effectively utilizing limited resources to combat wildlife crime and prevent deaths of endangered species.
In a recent move, the forest department introduced surveillance drones to monitor and combat wildlife crimes in poaching hotspots. Wildlife inspector Abdullah As Sadeque utilized a drone to locate illegal bird traps in a waterbody in Gopalganj district, leading to the seizure of traps, rescue of birds, and the arrest of two poachers. Additionally, the department received a set of equipment from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes to further strengthen their efforts in combating wildlife poaching and trafficking.
The adoption of technology in wildlife conservation is viewed as crucial in monitoring regulations, analyzing crime data, and tracking wildlife movement. Jennifer Noll, an expert in law enforcement and investigations, highlighted the significance of using technology to enhance visual and auditory input for wildlife custodians. In Bangladesh, the incorporation of technology has enabled wildlife crime controllers to rescue thousands of animals, detect offenses, and arrest criminals for poaching and trafficking activities.
The forest department’s Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) has been collaborating with volunteers and utilizing telecommunications platforms like phone calls and social media to combat wildlife crimes. The addition of i2 software to their toolkit allows for the generation of meaningful infographics based on the latest information related to wildlife crimes, criminal groups, networks, and hotspots. Overall, the integration of technology in Bangladesh’s wildlife conservation efforts represents a significant step forward in protecting biodiversity and combating illegal activities threatening endangered species.
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