Jumbo Shoo
Faculty Mentor Name
Elliott Bryner, Walter van den Heever
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
African elephants are integral to the biodiversity and ecological development of the African savannas. Additionally, elephants play an important cultural and economic role in many African countries such as Namibia, where ecotourism employs 100,000 Namibians and contributes 6.9% or 14.3 billion dollars of the Namibian GDP. Despite their importance elephants and local communities frequently experience conflict, particularly when competing for resources, resulting in damaged crops and depletion of water resources. During the Spring 2024 semester, Embry-Riddle engineering students designed and tested a system intended to detect and deter elephants from designated areas in Namibia. The system utilized motion sensors and infrared cameras to identify elephant activity and trigger deterrent mechanisms. Building on this foundation, the current research team is improving system reliability, power efficiency, and overall effectiveness. Key upgrades include integrating a long-range network to enable component communication, enhancing deterrence with flashing lights for improved effectiveness, and implementing efficient power cycling to conserve energy and extend operational longevity. Efforts will also focus on identifying suitable materials for sourcing and deployment during on-site testing in Namibia. This project aims to enhance human-elephant coexistence by developing and improving a robust and cost-effective deterrent system for remote Namibian communities. In addition to its environmental impact, the project provides engineering students with a valuable opportunity to apply technical skills to a real-world challenge while supporting conservation initiatives and improving the livelihoods of affected communities.
Jumbo Shoo
African elephants are integral to the biodiversity and ecological development of the African savannas. Additionally, elephants play an important cultural and economic role in many African countries such as Namibia, where ecotourism employs 100,000 Namibians and contributes 6.9% or 14.3 billion dollars of the Namibian GDP. Despite their importance elephants and local communities frequently experience conflict, particularly when competing for resources, resulting in damaged crops and depletion of water resources. During the Spring 2024 semester, Embry-Riddle engineering students designed and tested a system intended to detect and deter elephants from designated areas in Namibia. The system utilized motion sensors and infrared cameras to identify elephant activity and trigger deterrent mechanisms. Building on this foundation, the current research team is improving system reliability, power efficiency, and overall effectiveness. Key upgrades include integrating a long-range network to enable component communication, enhancing deterrence with flashing lights for improved effectiveness, and implementing efficient power cycling to conserve energy and extend operational longevity. Efforts will also focus on identifying suitable materials for sourcing and deployment during on-site testing in Namibia. This project aims to enhance human-elephant coexistence by developing and improving a robust and cost-effective deterrent system for remote Namibian communities. In addition to its environmental impact, the project provides engineering students with a valuable opportunity to apply technical skills to a real-world challenge while supporting conservation initiatives and improving the livelihoods of affected communities.