𝐑𝐒𝐏𝐍 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞-𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍-𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑨𝑰 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎

By Kezang Choden

The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) Bhutan has introduced advanced technology to enhance its efforts in conserving the endangered White-bellied Heron (WBH) and associated species. Traditional field monitoring is now complemented by drones, camera traps, CCTV cameras, remote sensing, GIS, GPS, and telemetry. The latest addition is Earth Ranger, an artificial intelligence-based real-time conservation management platform.

A training session held this month marked the first introduction of Earth Ranger to relevant stakeholders in Bhutan, following an in-house launch on August 12, 2025. “Over 50 active users across the country are already using Earth Ranger to monitor WBH and other species,” said a senior RSPN official.

The platform integrates inputs from field sightings, drones, GPS telemetry, and camera traps, allowing conservationists to track species movements, breeding activity, and sightings in real time. It generates visual maps to identify habitats, movement corridors, and potential threat zones. The system also provides tools for data integration and analysis, rapid alerts, and simplified reporting for communication with partners and stakeholders. “Real-time monitoring combined with analytical capacity has significantly improved our ability to protect WBH habitats,” the official added.

RSPN officials noted that Earth Ranger addresses long-standing challenges in species conservation, particularly fragmented data collection and storage. The platform enables mapping, visualization, and monitoring of endangered species and can be accessed through mobile applications and desktop computers. Plans are underway to translate the interface into Dzongkha to make it more accessible to local users. “With this technology, field teams can cover wider areas efficiently, saving time and resources while strengthening conservation outcomes,” an official explained.

Uniform and systematic data collection has long been a challenge in wildlife conservation. The RSPN emphasized that one of the strengths of this initiative is its focus on community engagement. Local residents will be trained as members of Local Conservation Support Groups to monitor WBH and other species. Officials highlighted that empowering communities fosters responsibility and ensures long-term protection of wildlife.

A distinctive feature of Earth Ranger is its real-time alert notification system. Users receive immediate alerts if wildlife, including WBH, is injured, displays unusual movement, or faces other concerning conditions. “This rapid communication allows conservation teams to respond swiftly, ensuring timely care and intervention when necessary,” said an RSPN representative.

RSPN has announced that training programs on Earth Ranger will begin this September. The initiative aims to strengthen wildlife conservation, particularly monitoring endangered species such as the White-bellied Heron. “The app allows real-time collection and analysis of information, enabling quicker responses to threats and more effective protection of endangered species,” explained an official. Training will equip field staff, local conservation groups, and community members with skills to use the platform effectively. Officials added that Earth Ranger will improve coordination among conservation workers, track species movements, and support detailed reporting on wildlife health and mortality.

The integration of modern technology like Earth Ranger is expected to transform Bhutan’s approach to monitoring and protecting its biodiversity. The September training marks a significant step in balancing technological advancement with environmental stewardship, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its unique wildlife.