The Gujarat Forest Department is set to undertake a groundbreaking initiative in wildlife conservation by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its upcoming lion census, scheduled from May 10 to 13. This marks a significant shift from traditional methods to a more technologically advanced approach aimed at enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of the census.

Forest Minister Mulu Bera announced the initiative, stating that the census will be conducted across 11 districts of Gujarat, including the renowned Gir National Park—the only natural habitat in the world for Asiatic lions. “The lion census will take place not just in Gir, but across all areas where lions are known to roam,” he said. “Our staff, along with NGOs and dedicated volunteers, will work round the clock in two 24-hour phases. Artificial Intelligence and other technologies will be used for better accuracy and efficiency.”

The new AI-driven strategy represents a major leap forward in the state’s wildlife monitoring efforts. Traditionally, the lion census has been a labor-intensive, manual process involving trackers, camera traps, and direct observations. While these methods have been effective, they are also time-consuming and susceptible to human error. By incorporating AI, authorities hope to streamline the process, ensuring more accurate identification and tracking of individual lions through image recognition and data analytics.

The integration of AI will not only aid in counting the lions but also help in mapping their movement patterns, analyzing habitat use, and detecting any emerging threats to their safety. Drones, camera traps, and GPS tracking devices are expected to work in conjunction with AI software to collect and process vast amounts of data in real time.

This year’s census is particularly significant as it comes at a time when the lion population has been showing steady growth. According to the last census in 2020, the Asiatic lion population stood at 674—a 29% increase over the previous count in 2015. With the use of advanced technologies, the Forest Department hopes to build on this progress and develop more informed conservation strategies.

The involvement of NGOs and volunteers highlights the collaborative nature of this initiative, ensuring that scientific innovation is matched with community participation. Gujarat’s move to adopt AI in wildlife conservation sets a precedent for other states and countries, showcasing how technology can play a vital role in preserving our planet’s biodiversity.

IANS.