Non-Human Primate Monitoring System: Early Alert System Against Crop Raids for Farms in Nepal

The ongoing shift of populations from rural villages to urban centers in Nepal has led to farmland abandonment, drawing wildlife, particularly rhesus macaques, closer to human settlements. This proximity has resulted in frequent crop raids, causing substantial agricultural damage, and affecting the wellbeing of farmers. Traditional non-lethal deterrent methods, including noisemakers and netting, have proven ineffective. To address this issue, the described project aimed to develop a surveillance system using AI technology and IoT modules to detect macaque raids and alert farmers promptly. The system comprises a Raspberry Pi equipped with a camera and microphone, designed to detect motion and process live video feeds for monkey detection. Audio data is also recorded for future model training. Unlike solutions requiring extensive infrastructure, this system is costeffective and deployable in remote areas without specialized transceivers. Initial tests indicate the system's potential to protect crops and enhance farmers’ quality of life, fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in Nepal.