Impact analysis of SMS-triggered elephant activity alert lights

Human-elephant negative interactions typically arise when elephants enter human settlements in search of food, water, migratory routes, or other resources. Each year, accidental encounters with elephants in areas near reserve forests result in the deaths of hundreds of people. To address this challenge, the Bannerghatta National Park Forest Department has implemented a solution based on a straightforward conflict management approach, utilizing an SMS-based light and sound alert system to notify locals of elephant activity. To help reduce the risk of such encounters, 40 SMS-triggered elephant activity alert lights have been strategically placed across four ranges. We have partnered as the technology provider for this initiative. This paper presents an overview of the system’s hardware architecture, the site selection process, the implementation strategy, and an evaluation of its technical performance and effectiveness over an eight-month period. This large-scale implementation of an elephant alert system offers valuable insights into potential usage in other conflict-prone areas.