Game Keeper: A wireless network of smart acoustic sensors for monitoring of elephant and rhino distribution, behaviour, and poaching activity in National Parks/Reserves

This research project aims to research, design and develop an automated, acoustic, anti-poaching monitoring system to increase the likelihood of detecting and capturing poachers. The challenges are developing an affordable surveillance system with sufficient coverage across vast areas of National Parks/Reserves to quickly locate poachers to a high positional accuracy.

A key aspect of the research is to design a smart acoustic sensor system that will detect a range of sounds across a large game reserve area of 750km2. The system will be designed to detect gunshots very accurately to locate poaching activity in the reserve. A network of smart sensors will aim to locate a gunshot to <10m accuracy, allowing game managers to take fast precise remedial action.

The challenge of remote recording of Elephant and Rhino vocalisations from infrasound to audible range will also be undertaken in a South African reserve. This will allow information on distribution and movement of family groups and lone animals to be monitored. These recordings will be analysed to better understand the behaviour of the large animals in the reserve. This will enable improved conservation management in the reserve by identifying any potential problems early to help inform any action necessary.

We are seeking to recruit a student who is either self-funded or sufficiently high quality to apply for funding. Self-funded applicants will be expected to provide the funding for Tuition fees, living expenses and maintenance. Details of the cost of study, fees, and finance can be found by visiting: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/discover/fees-and-finance
Presently, there is no funding attached to this project.

Essential Background: First or 2.1 Honours Degree in Electronic Engineering, Applied Biology, Computer Engineering, Applied Physics or equivalent. A high grade Master’s degree will be an advantage.

Knowledge: Candidates must have a strong academic background in electronic or computer engineering, applied physics and/or applied biology. Candidates must be able to work across disciplines to research and implement the engineering and ecological aspects of the project. Enthusiasm for the subjects and a willingness to learn are essential. Ability and willingness to work at a reserve in South Africa are required to complete the project.