Affordable, Appropriate Technology to Combat Poaching
By Duane Jacobsz
Technology has become a significant weapon in Africa's battle against wildlife poaching.
Advanced tools such as drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras, AI-powered camera traps that can distinguish between animals and humans, and GPS tracking collars on animals that help anticipate poaching risks are cool but expensive.
Not every game reserve has a Kruger National Park budget.
Reserve managers face mounting financial pressure, and security now represents the largest budget item for most wildlife operations.
Botswana has just over 300 rhinos, and with more than 85% of the population living on private reserves, the financial burden of protection falls squarely on the private sector.
Similar challenges exist for other high-value species, such as sable and roan antelope, "disease-free" buffalo, and other wildlife species.
Digital Reserve Management, a Botswana-based company, has developed innovative applications to make technology more affordable.
This comprehensive system of electronic applications operates without requiring continuous Wi-Fi or mobile data connectivity, a crucial feature for remote wildlife areas.
These apps help reserve managers and custodians gain complete control over the movement of visitors, laborers, and tourists on their properties while providing critical management tools.
Core Applications
Animal Count App
This application allows managers to send staff into ranch areas equipped with a digital counting tool that records:
- Animal positions
- Physical condition
- Disposition and behavior
- Population counts
The data is transmitted securely in real-time to managers' electronic devices, providing instantaneous information about wildlife status and location.
Fence Maintenance App
When patrol staff discover fence damage:
- They record the nature of the break
- Add comments about repair requirements
- Document fence voltage data
- Generate automated email alerts when voltage drops below predetermined levels
Biodiversity and Sustainable Utilization App
This application helps land managers demonstrate that their activities support conservation goals and have non-detrimental effects on the environment and wildlife. The app records:
- Species and sex
- Geolocation data
- Categorization of mortalities (legal harvest, poaching, poisoning)
- Additional management notes
Gate Security App
Security guards register entry and destination information via QR codes:
- Journey times are predefined
- Administrators can monitor vehicles in real-time
- Automatic alarms trigger when vehicles are overdue
- Personnel can intervene quickly in security situations
Water Management App
Additional applications record:
- Water levels in waterholes and pans
- Dipping levels in boreholes
- Water usage by lodges or tourist facilities
Technical Advantages
The system architecture provides significant advantages over competing wildlife management technologies:
- Exceptional Security: All data is fully encrypted and stored on high-security servers in Switzerland, with no accessible information stored on the devices.
- User-Friendly Interface: The applications are intuitive, easy to understand, and tailored to each reserve or ranch's needs.
- Device Compatibility: Standard smartphones or tablets can operate the system without requiring specialized equipment.
- Offline Functionality: Apps record data without Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, making them ideal for remote locations.
- Real-Time Data Access: All information is visible in real-time once synchronized, allowing immediate responses to potential threats.
- QR Code Integration: Unique QR codes identify staff, visitors, vehicles, and tourists, reducing error rates and providing comprehensive tracking.
- Web-Based System: No software installation is required beyond the apps themselves.
- Modular Structure: Customers can purchase only the components they need.
- Sophisticated Access Controls:
- Tablets are authorized via one-time activation codes
- Administrator-controlled access permissions
- Comprehensive logging of all logins and scans
Data Analysis and Management
Digital Reserve Management offers comprehensive data management services:
- Self-analysis capabilities for clients
- Optional statistical analysis services are available for a minimal fee
- Interactive mapping displays of wildlife and security data
- Exportable Excel spreadsheet reports
Expert Team
The company's leadership combines deep conservation expertise with technical excellence:
- Duane Jacobsz: Managing Director and Nature Conservator with extensive experience in reserve and concession management throughout Botswana and South Africa
- Rindi Jacobsz: Director and Trainer
- Dr. vet. Martina Glatzl: Advisor (Europe)
- Jost Kuenzli, Dipl. Ing.: Software specialist (Europe)
This team brings together significant experience in wildlife management, from large Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) to smaller fenced game reserves and community wildlife areas.
They maintain an extensive network of wildlife professionals, including renowned veterinarians and ecologists.
Development and Implementation
The applications were developed from the ground up using cutting-edge technology and security principles. After an initial project phase beginning in April 2022, the system became a professional application, with the test phase successfully concluding in May 2023.
During six months of testing, the system operated without downtime.
A key advantage of the application is its cross-reserve functionality. Essential personnel, such as veterinarians or security heads, can access multiple reserves (with permission) to monitor operations in real-time, regardless of their physical location.
Key Differentiators
There are several unique factors:
- Superior Security: Utilizing Swiss server technology and advanced encryption
- Device Accessibility: Operating on standard consumer electronics
- Offline Functionality: Critical for remote wildlife areas
- Customization: Tailored solutions for each property
- Real-Time Monitoring: Immediate access to vital information
- Independent Operation: As a self-financed, owner-managed Botswana company, they operate independently of NGO structures
Conservation Impact
Beyond the technological offerings, Digital Reserve Management represents a critical evolution in African wildlife protection. As poaching threatens iconic species, their technology empowers custodians to efficiently monitor wildlife health, track potential threats, and respond rapidly to security incidents.
The combination of real-time data collection, seamless security integration, and offline functionality makes these tools particularly valuable in the challenging environments where Africa's most threatened wildlife reside.
These applications directly contribute to conservation outcomes by reducing response times, improving data accuracy, and enhancing security protocols.
Future Outlook
Digital Reserve Management provides technology, comprehensive wildlife management consultation, and ecological consulting services.
With their extensive experience in various conservation contexts across southern Africa, they are positioned to continuously evolve their offerings to meet emerging challenges in wildlife protection.
Their motto, "Africa does not need us, we need Africa," reflects a philosophy that centers on African conservation needs while acknowledging the global importance of preserving the continent's unique biodiversity.
Their innovative technological approach creates pathways for more efficient, effective wildlife protection in an increasingly challenging conservation landscape.
For reserve managers, game ranchers, wildlife custodians, and researchers throughout Southern Africa, Digital Reserve Management's suite of applications represents a vital advancement in the ongoing battle to protect the region's natural heritage against growing threats.
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