Russian Students Build AI-Driven System to Detect Wild Predators

A team of students from Buryatia has developed WildAnimalWatch, a real-time monitoring system to protect people and livestock from wolves, bears, and other predators.

College students in Buryatia, Russia, have created an innovative predator detection system called WildAnimalWatch. The project was developed by fourth-year students at the East Siberian State University of Technology and Management, according to Baikal-Daily.

The students say the system is designed to enhance safety for people living near wildlife habitats. Using the latest technologies, it detects the presence of wolves, bears, and foxes and alerts residents of any nearby danger.

WildAnimalWatch uses real-time video surveillance to transmit data to a central server. An AI module analyzes the footage to identify predators and other threats. If a potential danger is detected, the system immediately notifies users via Telegram bot or email.

The system could significantly reduce attacks on both humans and livestock. With further deployment across Russia, it may even enable safer agricultural development in high-risk zones.

The student team’s invention was selected as one of the top 50 entries in the national 'Startup as Thesis' competition. This year’s contest received over 900 applications from 178 universities across the country.