Wildlife Research Institute Receives High-Tech Monitoring Equipment from AMES Foundation
On Wednesday, the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) marked a significant milestone in wildlife conservation efforts with the donation of ten advanced ICU wildlife monitoring systems. The donation, led by Dr. Kevit Desai of the AMES Foundation and ICU CLOM, was officially received by WRTI’s Director/CEO Dr. Patrick Omondi.
The donated systems are equipped with state-of-the-art CLOM cameras and solar panels, designed to enhance the Institute’s wildlife research capabilities. These specialized outdoor cameras feature motion and heat sensors, enabling real-time tracking and monitoring of wildlife, even in challenging conditions such as low light and dense vegetation.
Dr. Omondi expressed gratitude to the AMES Foundation and ICU CLOM, highlighting that this initiative aligns with the Institute’s newly launched Strategic Plan (2023-2027), which emphasizes the adoption of technology in research. “We are keen on leveraging technology to conduct research activities. The deployment of ICU CLOM cameras will significantly enhance our capacity to monitor wildlife corridors, provide early warnings, and track changes in wildlife populations,” he stated.
The cameras will facilitate non-intrusive monitoring, allowing scientists to gather crucial data to better protect endangered species and their habitats. The pilot project for the deployment of these systems will begin at WRTI’s sanctuary and the Naivasha Wildlife Sanctuary.
Discussions also included potential collaborations to integrate the new systems into the National Wildlife Database, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information on wildlife populations.
In attendance were several dignitaries, including ICU Nature Web Services Director Edith Predorf and ICUServer GmbH Managing Director Mag Burkhard Weiss, along with WRTI’s senior management team. The day concluded with a practical training session for researchers and trainees on the installation of the cameras and solar panels at the Institute’s sanctuary, marking a promising step forward in wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
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