WHAT IS M-STrIPES?
M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) is a software-based monitoring system launched across tiger reserves by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2010.
It is a platform where modern technology is used to assist effective patrolling, assess ecological status and mitigate human-wildlife conflict in and around tiger reserves.
The MSTrIPES program uses Global Positioning System (GPS), General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), and remote sensing, to collect information from the field, create a database using modern Information Technology (IT) based tools, analyses the information using GIS and statistical tools to provide inferences that allow tiger reserve managers to better manage their wildlife resources.
OBJECTIVE OF M-STrIPES
The system’s objective is to strengthen patrolling and surveillance of the Endangered Bengal tiger.
HOW M-STrIPES WORKS?
Forest guards in tiger reserves are equipped with personal digital assistants and GPS devices to capture data relating to tiger sightings, deaths, wild life crime and ecological observations while patrolling.
The software system maps the patrol routes of forest guards, and the resulting data are then analyzed in a geographic information system.
This is intended to enhance the effectiveness and spatial coverage of patrols.
Additional target outcomes are the evaluation of human pressure and ongoing monitoring of habitat change.
The android-based monitoring software M-STrIPES will be used across all the Tiger Reserves of the country.
SIGNIFICANCE OF M-STrIPES
Monitoring of tiger reserves in the country has become much easier, quicker and transparent with the launch of M-STrIPES.
GPS-based patrolling helps in mapping patrol routes and maintaining a spatial database of patrol tracks.
Patrol maps help the management analyse trends and patterns to improve future protection efforts.
MSTrIPES helps to identify shortcomings in patrolling efforts in real time.
It acts as a proof of presence and patrolling of forest guards in a particular area.
Must read: Project Tiger – An Assessment
External link: https://ntca.gov.in/our-work-m-stripes/
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
QUES: The term M-STRIPES is sometimes seen in the news in the context of : UPSC 2017
(a)Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
(b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
(c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System
(d) Security of National Highways
(b)
