A new technology developed by researchers at Stellenbosch University could help South African farmers tackle the growing threat of black-backed jackals preying on sheep and other livestock.
The technology uses cameras and environmental sensors to remotely monitor jackal movements and behaviour, giving farmers, ecologists and wildlife researchers more information about how the predators hunt.
Black-backed jackals have become a major challenge for small-scale and emerging livestock farmers in parts of South Africa, with attacks causing financial losses and adding pressure to farmers who depend on their animals for their livelihoods.
Megan le Roux, a doctoral student at Stellenbosch University’s Digital Signal Processing Laboratory, developed the system as part of her master’s degree in electronic engineering.
“Predation by black-backed jackals is a difficult problem for farmers, with few clear solutions,” Le Roux said.
The technology consists of a network of wireless sensor nodes deployed on a rural farm and an equestrian farm. The devices combine video recording with environmental monitoring to collect information on jackal activity.
Each node is fitted with cameras capable of operating in low-light conditions, allowing the system to monitor the largely nocturnal predators when movement is detected.
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The technology is designed to provide a more detailed picture of jackal behaviour and hunting patterns, information that could help farmers and wildlife experts develop more effective ways of managing livestock predation.
Farmers have traditionally relied on methods including night-time calling and shooting, which uses recorded jackal and prey distress sounds to attract the animals. However, such approaches have produced limited results.
Wildlife ecologists have also raised concerns about lethal control, arguing that removing jackals could disrupt their social structures and potentially influence predation patterns.
The researchers hope that remotely collected data on jackal activity will provide a stronger scientific basis for understanding the animals and developing alternative approaches to reducing livestock losses.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
