Launch of ‘Meerkat’ Surveillance System in Kruger thanks to UK Postcode Lottery Players

The anti-poaching war in South Africa just got a new recruit – a wide area surveillance system, known as the Postcode Meerkat, which was launched in Kruger National Park (KNP) on Wednesday night. And the funding behind it is thanks to lottery players in the UK!

The Postcode Meerkat comprises a suite of radar and electro-optic sensors that will detect, classify, monitor and track humans moving in the park over a wide area. In addition, the system has been designed to be mobile so that it can be rapidly deployed to prevent poaching crisis zones from developing.

This is the first time that this kind of technology is being applied in a counter poaching role in a bushveld environment, which makes the system unique.

Smart thinking in its development allows it to differentiate between humans and animals, while its application will guarantee early warning and rapid response capabilities.

This will augment ranger reaction times, allow for better preparation and support the proactive apprehension of poachers, which could save the lives of both humans and animals.

It also has the future potential to be used in a conservation role, for example to better understand animal behaviour.

The Postcode Meerkat will significantly increase KNP’s ability to protect rhino and other vulnerable species, and enhance the capacity to combat wildlife crime.

Apart from developing and manufacturing the system, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will also provide on-going technical and administrative support to KNP.

Funding for the development and deployment of the Postcode Meerkat was secured by Peace Parks Foundation from the People’s Postcode Lottery of the UK, made possible thanks to the lottery players. Funding the Postcode Meerkat is the People’s Postcode Lottery’s first-ever support of a project in the Kruger and is to be commended. Thank you!!!

Source: www.sanparks.org