Sundarbans, 10th February 2026: Several villages of the Kultali block share their boundaries with the nearby tiger habitat and often face tiger ingressions throughout the year, especially in winter. 

In a significant step towards tackling human-tiger conflict (HTC) in the Sundarbans, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and 24 Parganas (South) Forest Division have been installing ANIDERS (Animal Intrusion Detection and Repellent System) along with the camera traps in selected vulnerable areas in Herobhanga-09 forest compartment under Raidighi Range. 

ANIDERS devices have been strategically installed in four locations in the Herobhanga 09 forest compartment of South 24 Pargana Forest Division| Photo © Samrat Paul

ANIDERS (Animal Intrusion Detection and Repellent System) is a non-lethal technology-based tool, widely used to prevent wildlife intrusion into human-dominated landscapes. This initiative aims to enhance the early-warning mechanisms and support the Forest Department in handling ingressions before the animal enters the nearby village.

Each device covers a minimum of 25 to 30 metres in a 180 ° angle from its centre point, and each is powered by a non-renewable energy source, i.e., a solar power panel. This pilot initiative is currently being implemented on a limited scale for a defined period of time to assess the technical feasibility, operational reliability, detection accuracy and the effectiveness of the devices in reducing tiger ingressions.

Samrat Paul, Field Officer, Sundarban Tiger Project, WTI, stated that these devices use advanced motion-sensing technology to detect animals at entry points. The initiative will support monitoring animal movement around these locations and help identify the most vulnerable entry points, enabling more effective management and mitigation strategies.

WTI and Forest Department are taking measures to mitigate human-big cat conflict in this area | Photo © Prosenjit Sheel

Under the pilot phase of this project, four ANIDERS devices have been strategically installed in the Herobhanga 09 forest compartment of South 24 Pargana Forest Division, and the remaining will be installed in nearby forest fringe villages like Gurguria, Nagenabad, and Ambikanagar of Kultali block.

Dr. Abhishek Ghoshal, Division Head, Conflict Mitigation Division, said that after piloting it in Pilibhit and Katerniaghat last year, this system is being introduced in Sundarban for the first time. , where it will help assess whether ANIDERS can effectively function in a mangrove ecosystem and deter tigers from entering villages from creeks or forests.