M-STrIPES in Action: Strengthening India’s Tech-Driven Tiger Conservation

Why in News ?

Forest staff involved in the upcoming tiger and wildlife census at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve will be using the Monitoring System for Tigers: Intensive Protection and Ecological Status (M-STrIPES) mobile application. The move highlights India’s increasing reliance on technology-enabled conservation tools to improve wildlife monitoring, protection, and management of protected areas.

Background: India’s Tiger Conservation Framework

India is home to nearly three-fourths of the world’s wild tiger population, making effective monitoring and protection critical.

Institutional Context

• Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to conserve tiger populations and habitats.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to provide statutory backing to tiger conservation.
• Over time, conservation strategies evolved from manual patrols to data-driven and technology-assisted monitoring systems.

It was in this context that M-STrIPES was introduced to enhance ground-level protection and ecological assessment.

What is M-STrIPES ?

The Monitoring System for Tigers: Intensive Protection and Ecological Status (M-STrIPES) is a software-based wildlife monitoring system designed to assist in the patrolling, protection, and ecological assessment of tiger habitats.

Launch and Development

• Launched in 2010
• Developed by:
  • National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
  • Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

Objectives of M-STrIPES

• Strengthen anti-poaching efforts
• Enable real-time monitoring of forest patrols
• Improve scientific management of Protected Areas
• Support evidence-based decision-making in tiger reserves

Key Components of the M-STrIPES System

1. Analytical and Desktop Platform

• Centralised desktop software
• Online analysis tools
• Used for:
  • Data storage
  • Spatial and statistical analysis
  • Generating management insights

2. Mobile-Based Field Application

• Android-based application
• Used by frontline forest staff
• Enables:
  • Recording wildlife sightings
  • Tracking patrol routes
  • Uploading data using real-time GPS

Technologies Used in M-STrIPES

• Global Positioning System (GPS) – tracks patrol routes and locations
• General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) – enables data transmission
• Remote Sensing – supports habitat and landscape analysis
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – spatial mapping of wildlife data
• Statistical Tools – trend analysis and risk assessment

How M-STrIPES Works on the Ground

Role of Forest Guards

• Forest guards patrol their assigned beats
• Each patrol involves:
  • Recording GPS tracks
  • Logging animal sightings
  • Noting signs of threats like poaching or encroachment
• Data is uploaded and analysed centrally

What is a Beat ?

• A beat is the smallest administrative unit of forest management in India
• Originates from the British forest administration system
• Typically:
  • One forest guard is responsible for one beat

Significance of M-STrIPES in Wildlife Management

• Enhances accountability of patrol staff
• Enables real-time situational awareness
• Helps identify:
  • Poaching hotspots
  • Animal movement patterns
  • Habitat degradation
• Improves coordination between:
  • Field staff
  • Reserve managers
  • Policy authorities

Anamalai Tiger Reserve: Ecological Context

Location

• Situated in the Anamalai Hills
• Lies south of the Palakkad Gap
• Part of the Southern Western Ghats

Surrounding Protected Areas

• Parambikulam Tiger Reserve (east)
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Eravikulam National Park (south-west)

Biodiversity of Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Indigenous Communities

The reserve is inhabited by six indigenous communities:

• Kadar
• Muduvar
• Malasar
• Malai Malasar
• Eravalar
• Pulayar

Vegetation Types

• Wet evergreen forests
• Semi-evergreen forests
• Moist deciduous forests
• Dry deciduous and thorn forests
• Shola forests
• Montane grasslands, savannahs, and marshy grasslands

Flora

• Rich in wild relatives of cultivated plants:
  • Mango
  • Jackfruit
  • Wild plantain
  • Ginger, turmeric
  • Pepper, cardamom

Fauna

• Tiger
• Asiatic elephant
• Sambar
• Spotted deer
• Barking deer
• Leopard
• Jackal
• Jungle cat

Why M-STrIPES Matters for Tiger Census

• Ensures scientific accuracy in population estimation
• Reduces manual errors
• Integrates protection and monitoring with census activities
• Strengthens India’s reputation as a global leader in tiger conservation

Challenges and the Way Forward

Challenges

• Dependence on digital connectivity in remote areas
• Need for regular training of frontline staff
• Data security and system maintenance

Way Forward

• Strengthening digital infrastructure in forest areas
• Continuous capacity building of forest personnel
• Integration with other wildlife databases and AI-based analytics