AI protects rhino calves from hyenas in Kenyan reserve

An artificial intelligence system has been launched in Kenya’s Aberdare National Park to protect black rhino calves from hyenas.

Black rhinos were almost completely exterminated by poachers in the 1980s. Now the reserve plans to repopulate the territory with these rare animals. It’s especially important to ensure the safety of the young, as they remain vulnerable to hyena attacks until age 2.

Austrian company IT-Revolutions created an automatic protection system. Cameras with artificial intelligence are installed along migration trails. Which distinguish animals by appearance and sounds they make. When the system detects a hyena, it activates a siren and directed ultrasound. Humans and most animals can’t hear it, but for hyenas it’s extremely unpleasant.

The system operates 24/7 and constantly improves. Increasing recognition accuracy with each new case. Specialists monitor the technology 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For additional protection, a 19 km electric fence was built around the territory.

The initial results look promising. But scientists warn about possible side effects. Ultrasound may affect not only hyenas, and interference with predator behavior could disrupt the entire food chain.