Mitigating human-wildlife conflict and monitoring endangered tigers using a real-time camera-based alert system.

The recovery of wild tigers in India and Nepal is a remarkable conservation achievement, but it sets the stage for increased human-wildlife conflict where parks are limited in size and where tigers reside outside reserves. We deployed an innovative technology, the TrailGuard AI camera-alert system, which runs on-the-edge artificial intelligence algorithms to detect tigers and poachers and transmit real-time images to designated authorities responsible for managing prominent tiger landscapes in India. We successfully captured and transmitted the first images of tigers using cameras with embedded AI and detected poachers. Notifications of tiger images were received in real time, approximately 30 seconds from camera trigger to appearing in a smart phone app. We review use cases of this AI-based real-time alert system for managers and local communities and suggest how the system could help monitor tigers and other endangered species, detect poaching, and provide early warnings for human-wildlife conflict.

Perceptions and Behaviors of Indigenous Populations Regarding Illegal Use of Protected Area Resources in East Africa's Mountain Gorilla Landscape.

Illegal activities and use of park resources are the main challenges facing mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) conservation and the protection of their habitats in the East Africa's Greater Virunga Transboundary Landscape (GVTL). Indigenous residents around GVTL are considered the primary illegal users of park resources. Despite this, there is limited understanding of the current and past perceptions of indigenous residents living in communities adjacent to two GVTL parks; Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Equally, there is also limited understanding regarding the actual incidences of illegal activities inside both parks. This paper addresses these gaps. Perception data were collected from indigenous residents living adjacent to both parks. Further, Ranger-based Monitoring (RbM) data from both parks were analyzed to determine actual numbers and types of illegal activities over the 9-year period. Interestingly, findings indicated that residents perceived the prevalence of illegal activities to be decreasing across GVTL. To the contrary, RbM findings indicated that the number of actual illegal activities was increasing significantly, particularly in Volcanoes National Park. The discrepancy found between the two perspectives provides for a discussion of the social biases potentially present in these data, and their implications for management. Results also illuminated the subsistence-related nature of most illegal behaviors and suggest that to reduce illegal activities and local dependency on park resources, park management must work with communities and support them in tapping into alternative livelihoods and finding ways to address community household subsistence needs.

Visiting a climate-influenced national park: the stability of climate change perceptions.

Understanding perceptions of global environmental issues, such as climate change, can help inform resource management, policy development, and communication with constituents. Although a considerable amount of research documents citizens' perceptions of climate change, few have investigated how interactions with climate-impacted parks and protected areas influence these perceptions, and consequently elements of environmental management. Using a mixed methods Instrument Development Approach, the researchers examined the stability of park visitors' (N = 429) climate change perceptions during a daylong interaction with climate-sensitive and influenced resources at Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. Results indicate that global-level beliefs about climate change remained relatively stable during a park experience, but perceptions about climate change at the park-level (e.g., impacts) appeared more malleable. Findings also revealed the type of park experience (terrestrial vs. marine) can influence the degree of change in visitors' perceptions. Implications for communication, outreach, and park management are discussed.

Noise in cesarean deliveries: a comprehensive analysis of noise environments in the Labor and Delivery operating room and evaluation of a visual alarm noise abatement program.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean delivery is the most common major surgery worldwide. Noise in healthcare settings leads to impaired communication and concentration, and stress among healthcare providers. Limited information is available about noise at cesarean delivery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to achieve a comprehensive analysis of noise that occurs during cesarean deliveries. Sound level meters are used to determine baseline noise levels and to describe the frequency of acute noise generated during a cesarean delivery that will cause a human startle response. Secondarily, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a visual alarm system in mitigating excessive noise. STUDY DESIGN: We completed a preintervention/postintervention observational study of noise levels during cesarean deliveries before and after introduction of a visual alarm system for noise mitigation between February 15, 2021 and August 26, 2021. There were 156 cases included from each study period. Sound pressure levels were analyzed by overall case median decibel levels and by time epoch for relevant phases of the operation. Rapid increases in noise events capable of causing a human startle response, "startle events," were detected by retrospective analysis, with quantification for baselines and analysis of frequency by case type. Median noise levels with interquartile ranges are presented. Data are compared between epochs and case characteristics with nonparametric 2-tailed testing. RESULTS: The median acoustic pressure for all cesarean deliveries was 61.8 (58.8-65.9) (median [interquartile range]) dBA (A-weighted decibels). The median dBA for the full case time period was significantly higher in cases with neonatal intensive care unit team presence (62.1 [60.5-63.9]), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (62.0 [60.4-63.9]), 5-minute Apgar score <7 (62.2 [61.1-64.3]), multiple gestations (62.6 [62.0-64.2]), and intraoperative tubal sterilization (62.8 [61.5-65.1]). The use of visual alarms was associated with a statistically significant reduction of median noise level by 0.7 dBA, from 61.8 (60.6-63.5) to 61.1 (59.8-63.7) dBA (P<.001). CONCLUSION: The noise intensities recorded during cesarean deliveries were commonly at levels that affect communication and concentration, and above the safe levels recommended by the World Health Organization. Although noise was reduced by 0.7 dBA, the reduction was not clinically significant in reaching a discernible amount (a 3-dB change) or in reducing "startle events." Isolated use of visual alarms during cesarean deliveries is unlikely to be a satisfactory noise mitigation strategy.

Determinants of a quality wild turkey hunting season.

According to the National Wild Turkey Federation, there has been a 450% increase in the number of licensed wild turkey hunters since 1973. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of research articles focusing specifically on turkey hunting. Most human dimensions of wildlife research have focused on either deer or waterfowl hunting. In this study, dimensions of hunting quality, days a field, and harvest were examined among a sample of 739 Virginia fall turkey hunters. Quality of a hunting season, rather than a specific hunt, was examined. Principal components analysis (PCA) revealed five domains of attributes of a high-quality turkey-hunting season: wildlife interaction, education, being away, social interaction, and hunting skills. The domains of hunting quality revealed by the PCA are similar to domains found previously for spring turkey hunters as well as other types of hunters. Also examined were hunter perceptions of overall hunting quality, the number of days spent hunting turkeys during the fall season, and harvest success. For comparative purposes and agency needs, hunters were segmented into three categories based on days spent hunting: low frequency (1 to 2 days), medium frequency (3 to 4 days), and high frequency (> or =5 days). The influence of these variables to respondents' perceptions of overall quality was examined using a series of regression models. Variables found to be significant predictors of quality were wildlife interaction and harvest success. Hunters who killed a turkey reported a significantly higher quality season than those who did not kill a turkey.