INDIA: In an era where human encroachment on wildlife habitats is escalating, tech enthusiasts Allen Shaji and Sobin Matthew, founders of Kerala-based Leopard Tech Labs, are taking a stand against the alarming rise in wildlife crime. The duo has developed the Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK) software, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at helping forest departments tackle wildlife crimes with speed and precision.
The human-animal conflict has become a global concern, and in wildlife-rich countries like India, it poses a significant threat to the diverse flora and fauna. Despite governmental rules and regulations, wildlife crimes persist, as evidenced by over 1,000 registered cases in India in 2020 alone, according to a report by The Hindu.
Allen and Sobin, alumni of Amalguri College of Engineering, embarked on a mission to bridge the technological gap in wildlife conservation. Their journey began with a project named ‘Mapper’ in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India. Recognizing the potential of their ideas, they founded Leopard Tech Labs in 2017, launching multiple products aimed at combating wildlife crime.
The flagship product, HAWK, serves as an offence management system, revolutionizing the way forest departments handle cases, court monitoring, communication management, and wildlife death tracking. The software replaces manual paperwork, streamlining processes and expediting the delivery of justice.
Collaborating with the Kerala Forest Department, Leopard Tech Labs introduced HAWK, facilitating a shift from traditional manual records to a digital documenting process. The system generates reports in various formats, such as PDF, enabling efficient analysis and submission to the court.
Allen Shaji explains, “HAWK allows users to retrieve specific data on wildlife incidents, providing insights into the geographical distribution of incidents through formats like Excel, PDF, graphs, and Google Maps.” The software also aids higher authorities in monitoring case status, streamlining review meetings and ensuring prompt actions based on case progress.
Leopard Tech Labs’ collaboration extends to NGOs and Government agencies, including IUCN, IFaw, WTI, Kerala Forest Department, Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and Species Survival Commission (SSC).
Beyond HAWK, the company has developed additional products like SARPA (Snake Awareness, Rescue and Protection App), Jumbo Radar (for monitoring elephants outside protected areas), and WildWatch (an integrated human-wildlife conflict mitigation and early warning system).
The innovative approach of Leopard Tech Labs represents a leap forward in addressing wildlife crimes, marking a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology and conservation efforts.
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