In a shocking revelation, researchers from the University of Cambridge have uncovered misuse of conservation technologies in rural India. These include camera traps, drones, and sound recorders. These technologies were originally designed to track wildlife. They also aimed to protect natural habitats. Yet, local authorities are now employing them to spy on women without their consent.
Dr. Trishant Simlai, a researcher at Cambridge, spent over a year interviewing 270 locals. He conducted his research around the Corbett Tiger Reserve in northern India. His findings, which were published in the journal Environment and Planning F, reveal a disturbing misuse of technology. This misuse occurs under the guise of conservation efforts.
DRONES AND CAMERA TRAPS: TOOLS OF INTIMIDATION
The study reveals that forest rangers in the Corbett Tiger Reserve have been deliberately using drones to monitor local women. Their primary aim is to drive these women out of the forest. Many of these women rely on the forest for essential resources. They gather firewood and herbs, which they are legally allowed to collect. Despite this, drones are used to intimidate them, depriving them of their rightful access to these resources.
Moreover, the camera traps, typically set to capture wildlife data, are making women feel constantly observed. This surveillance has increased anxiety and discomfort among the women. They now speak and sing more quietly while in the forest. This practice heightens their risk of dangerous wildlife encounters, like with elephants or tigers. Tragically, one woman interviewed by Simlai was later killed in a tiger attack.
A DISTURBING VIOLATION OF PRIVACY
The researchers argue that these technologies are having a profoundly negative impact on the local women’s mental health. Dr. Simlai emphasized that the emotional and psychological toll is significant, as the women feel constantly watched and judged. One woman experienced this firsthand. A camera trap captured her private moment in the forest. Later, the moment was circulated on local social media groups as a form of deliberate harassment.
As the women are forced to alter their behavior to avoid drawing attention, their freedom of movement is restricted. Women feel increasingly unsafe and alienated from the very spaces they once turned to for solace and survival.
A CALL FOR ETHICAL CONSERVATION PRACTICES
The findings have raised concerns within the conservation community, with experts calling for a reevaluation of remote monitoring technologies. Professor Chris Sandbrook is the Director of Cambridge’s Masters in Conservation Leadership program. He pointed out that while these technologies have proven useful in wildlife conservation, they must be employed with careful consideration of the human impact. He stressed that the primary purpose of wildlife monitoring technologies should not infringe on people’s privacy or freedom.
With many areas of conservation importance overlapping with human settlements, the researchers urge conservationists to rethink their approach. Rather than relying solely on invasive technologies, they suggest alternatives like community-based surveys or more collaborative methods to gather data.
WOMEN’S STRUGGLES AND SURVIVAL IN THE FOREST
For many women living near the Corbett Tiger Reserve, the forest offers a rare escape from domestic violence. It also provides relief from alcoholism and poverty. The study highlights the critical role of the forest in their lives. It is not only a source of physical resources. It is also a place for emotional and social expression. Women often gather in groups, singing traditional songs to ward off dangerous wildlife while collecting firewood and herbs.
The forest provides them with a much-needed sanctuary from the oppressive environments of their male-dominated villages, where they face many hardships. Still, as technology increasingly invades these spaces, the sense of security these women once had is being eroded. Many now feel that their movements are constantly monitored.
THE NEED FOR THOUGHTFUL CONSERVATION EFFORTS
The misuse of conservation technologies in northern India underscores the need for greater awareness. It is important to understand how these tools affect vulnerable populations. The researchers argue that effective forest management must consider the various ways people interact with forest spaces. Women’s interactions are especially important. Their daily activities, such as gathering resources and singing in groups, are essential not only to their survival but to their social identity.
Conservation projects can better balance the protection of wildlife with the protection of human rights by prioritizing human-centered conservation efforts. They also involve local communities in decision-making processes.
This study serves as a stark reminder. Technology advances wildlife conservation efforts. Nonetheless, it must be wielded with care and consideration for the broader social impacts. Conservationists work to protect the planet’s natural resources. They must also ensure that they do not compromise the rights and well-being of those living closest to these areas.
