DP World, a major provider of global smart end-to-end supply chain solutions, has provided thermal drones for the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, India, as part of its ongoing commitment to environmental and animal conservation. Furthermore, for a year, forest field employees will receive on-site training and support for operating the drones.

The Tadoba National Park is Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park. There are at least 80 tigers in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, and there are over 200 tigers in the greater environment. Because the reserve is a dry deciduous tropical forest habitat, it is prone to forest fires and hence requires quick detection of fire dangers.

The drones supported by DP World are DGI Mavic 3 Enterprise Series drones with a thermal imaging camera, mechanical shutter, 56 zoom camera, and RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) module for centimeter-level precision, boosting mapping and mission efficiency during surveillance.

Drones will help collect data from inaccessible environments, measure water body levels, and aid in the construction of maps that will improve biodiversity documentation. Furthermore, the drones’ thermal imaging capabilities will allow forest field employees to detect symptoms of ground fires early on, improve rescue and wildlife tracking capability, reduce forest offences, and safeguard the safety of forest field staff and the nearby people.

DP World

Speaking about this project, Mr. Kevin D’Souza, Vice President, Commercial & Business Development, DP World Subcontinent, stated, “DP World is committed to the cause of environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and supporting those involved in forest and wildlife protection.” Drone data can be utilised to perform well-planned preventive procedures that directly safeguard forests and wildlife. Drones can serve to protect the lives of forest field employees and the local communities that reside on the forest’s outskirts.”

“We would like to thank DP World for providing the thermal drones,” stated Dr. Jitendra Ramgaokar, IFS Field Director, TATR and Executive Director TATR Conservation Foundation. At night, it becomes harder to monitor the reserve, particularly the fringe areas with human habitations. This complicates the management of human-animal conflict situations and the tracking of animals. Drones’ superior technology will better equip our rescue and quick reaction teams, as well as our field employees in general, to assist us in protecting endangered animals in the forest and preventing illegal activities in and around the forest region.”

DP World is a member of a task group led by “United for Wildlife” that collaborates with important stakeholders to combat illegal wildlife trading. DP World has also agreed to sign.