M-STrIPES

The KIFARU patrol-based wildlife monitoring system, developed by ZSL and partner organisations, is being used extensively in Kenya and Nepal for rhino monitoring, law enforcement and metapopulation management. Through the implementation of the system and field-based training programmes, significant improvements have been achieved in monitoring effort, quality and management effectiveness as well as increasing communication between field and management staff. The upgraded system includes a new ecological monitoring module and is now being implemented in India as M-STrIPES by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, Wildlife Institute of India and ZSL. M-STrIPES uses a holistic approach by integrating ecological insights obtained through wildlife and habitat assessment protocols in protected areas. The
system performs statistical computations of occupancy, precision and sample size, and assesses trends over appropriate time and spatial scales for a range of targeted species, human impacts, illegal activities and law enforcement investments.
It produces reports and maps synthesising information on illegal activities, wildlife crime, protection efforts and ecological status to guide management decisions.

The system is currently in its pilot phase and, if implemented as designed, will reduce the response time to detrimental events like poaching or habitat degradation, helping keep the pulse of India’s Tiger Reserves.