A Low-Power IoT Architecture for Real-Time Detection and Notification of Unauthorized Tree Poaching

A Low-Power IoT Architecture for Real-Time Detection and Notification of Unauthorized Tree Poaching/span>

Authors- Kapalik Khanal, Sudip Rana, Umesh Kanta Ghimire, Amul Neupane

Abstract-Unauthorized tree poaching is one of the major threats to several trees and herbs that have a significant ecological and/or economic value. Several trees such as Rosewood (Dalbergia spp.), Ebony (Diospyros spp.), Sandalwood (Santalum spp.), and Bodhichitta (Ziziphus budhensis) have a great economic value and are prone to poaching. Several conservational measures and legal approaches have been adopted over the years to stop such activities. However, traditional methods alone have been proven to be insufficient for conservation. Use of advanced technological solutions that include Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Remote Sensing, and geospatial data analysis can significantly enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts. A low-power IoT system has been proposed in this paper that can be used for the detection and notification of illegal tree poaching in real time. The proposed system uses the ESP32-S3 as the main controller, along with the SX1278 LoRa transmission module and other electronic components. The system leverages several sensors that include vibration sensors that detect strange movements; microphones that detect the sound of axes or machinery tools; temperature sensors to detect burning or sudden temperature changes and a magnetometer to detect the metal objects. These components are selected based on their high efficiency, low power consumption and small dimensions, so the device can be easily concealed on the tree. The system was designed and implemented specifically for the conservation of Bodhichitta trees in the Timal region of Nepal.

DOI: /10.61463/ijset.vol.12.issue5.267