South Africa-based information and communication technology firm Dimension Data and networking multinational Cisco have installed secure intelligent networks and analytical systems to combat rhino poaching at a private game reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park.

The first phase, conducted in close consultation with game rangers, security personnel and control centre teams, comprise the deployment of a reserve area network (RAN) and WiFi hot spots at key points in the reserve. The system aims to monitor and track individuals from the time they enter the reserve gates until they exit.

Phase 2 will incorporate close-circuit television (CCTV) systems, drones with infrared cameras and thermal imaging systems, as well as vehicle-tracking and seismic sensors on the highly secure intelligent network.

“The goal is to proactively intervene and stop people entering the reserve illegally – whether by cutting through fences, being dropped onto the ground by helicopters or driving in through the entrance gates,” says Dimension Data Global Cisco Alliance group executive Bruce Watson.

At the beginning of the pilot phase, in December 2015, a high-value, point-to-point radio RAN was built and tested as a proof of concept to create a high security ‘net’ which covered the entire perimeter of the reserve.

Collaboration and reliable communications for alerts and warnings, as well as the ability to share live video footage across the reserve, greatly enhance the team’s ability to counter incursions, he adds.

Dimension Data installed Cisco WiFi and local area networks at each entrance gate, including biometrics and CCTV, which improve and strengthen the communication channels between security personnel and rangers in the reserve.

Digitising the physical security processes has established a more reliable sequence for allowing people in and out of the reserve, ensuring that correlation is more reliable and accurate. Data is analysed on an ongoing basis to enable better decision-making, future investments and technology deployments, explains Watson.

“The remote locations posed significant challenges, and limited bandwidth was one of them. Using Dimension Data’s range of remote network monitoring, routing and switching, and managed services, the solution provides on-site capability for technology deployments, proof-of-concept test-beds and rapid solution development that will benefit the broader conservation community,” he says.

The solution will be operated as a managed service on site using Dimension Data’s cloud for data analytics and backup. Additional digital infrastructure and data analytics will be deployed during the second phase, he adds.

Data will be collected on every individual entering the reserve, including the fingerprints of staff, contractors and suppliers, as well as rangers and trackers working in the reserve. Identity documents and visitor passports will be scanned, and registration plates of all vehicles entering the reserve captured.

Using predictive modelling, the analytics team will be able to estimate when an individual or vehicle is expected to exit the reserve.

“The solution will be replicated in other reserves in South Africa, Africa and globally, not only to protect rhino but also conserve other endangered species such as elephants, lions, pangolin, and tigers in India and Asia, and even oceanic rays,” concludes Watson.