A world without rhinos, the thunderous charge a distant memory. Or silent forests, devoid of the graceful reindeer herds. These aren’t distant nightmares, but real threats to endangered animals. But there’s a ray of hope – and it’s surprisingly techy.

The Internet of Things (IoT), the network of connected devices you might know from smart homes, is emerging as a powerful weapon in wildlife conservation.  With animal populations plummeting at an alarming rate, new solutions are desperately needed. Here's how the tech revolution is giving a fighting chance to some of our planet’s most vulnerable creatures.

From poaching peril to protected rhinos

Once a mighty presence, the majestic rhino has become one of the most poached animals on the planet. The iconic rhino horn, prized in traditional Chinese medicine, has fueled a deadly black market and pushed these magnificent creatures to the brink.

In South Africa, a crucial battleground, IoT collars are changing the game. These high-tech lifesavers track a rhino's location and even its heart rate. When a rhino shows signs of distress, park rangers are instantly alerted, potentially stopping poachers in their tracks. Early versions relied on expensive satellite connections, but newer systems are exploring more affordable options like cellular networks, making this vital tech even more accessible.

Reindeer on the tracks: Saving lives with virtual fences

In Norway, reindeer are a cultural lifeline for the Sami people. Sadly, train collisions claim thousands of these animals every year. Here's where IoT swoops in like a guardian angel. Wireless sensor networks track reindeer herds in real-time, creating invisible fences (geofences) around railway tracks. When a reindeer gets too close, an alarm goes off, notifying train conductors and herders. This allows them to take action and prevent a tragedy. It's a simple yet powerful use of technology that's saving countless reindeer lives.

Dugongs get help from citizen scientists

The elusive dugong, a gentle marine mammal, faces a population crisis due to boat strikes and poaching. Traditionally, monitoring them has been expensive and challenging. 

But there's a clever solution – citizen science powered by smartphones! Local fishermen are now equipped with these handy devices. Whenever they spot a dugong, they snap a picture and upload it to a special platform. Experts analyze these photos, building a more accurate picture of dugong populations and informing vital conservation efforts.

The future is connected: A high-tech haven for wildlife

The potential of IoT in wildlife conservation is truly exciting. Here’s a glimpse into what the future holds:

These advancements paint a hopeful picture. By harnessing the power of IoT and other emerging technologies, we can create a future where endangered species not only survive, but thrive.

Champions for a sustainable future

In Asia Pacific, NEC understands the importance of this fight. Their adoption of Indian rhinos at the Singapore Night Safari is a testament to their commitment to a sustainable future. This initiative goes hand-in-hand with NEC’s global mission of promoting safety, security, and environmental well-being.

Their efforts extend beyond the Night Safari. NEC actively promotes sustainability through our business practices and employee initiatives. We collaborate with communities in Japan to protect endangered species and work with non-profit organizations to make digital access more inclusive.

The future of our planet's rich biodiversity depends on collective action. By embracing technology, fostering collaboration, and promoting responsible business practices, we can create a world where the roar of the rhino and the flight of the reindeer continue to echo through the ages.

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(February 28, 2020)