Artificial Intelligence-Driven Anti-Poaching Surveillance Systems: A Review of Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The UN Environment Programme reports an average 69% decline in wildlife population since 1970, with around 4000 species illegally poached, trafficked, and traded globally. The World Wildlife Crime Report shows a significant population revival for certain species, but overall protection remains inadequate. The 5-step approach to understanding wildlife decline can improve methods. Emerging smart technologies, such as computer vision, IoT systems, and AI, can help manage wildlife populations and prevent poaching. Drones, bio-loggers, camera traps, and GPS collars provide real-time data for wildlife monitoring and tracking. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have also shown promise in wildlife welfare. This article aims to analyze the decline of wildlife populations, study smart technologies for anti-poaching efforts, and evaluate emerging technology-driven solutions to traditional wildlife welfare challenges. Human-induced factors like hunting, poaching, pollution, and habitat loss have compromised biodiversity. Poaching has led to population reduction and ecological imbalance. Traditional conservation practices have failed to revive wildlife populations. Integrating smart technologies, IoT, AI, and predictive analysis can help prevent poaching and promote ecological balance.
Institution: Uttaranchal University
Language: English
Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7212319763