With android mobile application-”Roadwatch”, which enables citizens to account wild animals across India, people are updating the status of injured or animals. In three weeks since its launch, Roadwatch has received 25 updates of injuries to different species of animals, birds and reptiles. With this app, the location of injured animal can be traced in few seconds, helping in saving rescue time and increasing injured animals’chances of survival.
According to Radhika Bhagat, a wildlife researcher working on the project with Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in less than three-week time the app has over 700 downloads. “Over 30 reports have been submitted which include species such as leopards, Black Headed Ibis, Mongoose, Jackals and several species of snakes and some birds have been recorded,” said Bhagat.
The app was launched to reduce the instances of wild animals or birds dying on roads and railway lines. One can upload the photos and tag the location with Global Positing System (GPS). “This application can also help in maintaining the wildlife animal data of different species,” said the researcher.
“It may be noted that the database created by the app users, project associates will not just available in public domain but also be submitted to the Union Environment Ministry after the compilation,” said a member associated with this project.
Bhagat, who is working on the project, said the app will help improve planning of linear infrastructure projects keeping in mind the presence of wildlife. “This application can help in mapping roadkill hotspot and identifying the worst-affected species,” she added.
People across India are updating animals’ pictures injured crossing roads. From Udaipur -Banswara highway to Belgum-Goa National Highway, Dandeli-Western Ghat Corridor to Nagercoil to Kanyakumari; leopards, birds and injured reptiles have been reported by the people using highways. With these updates, State Forest Department coordinates with Roadwatch network to rescue injured animals.
The data will also help identify accident-prone highways across India, which be highlighted to State authorities and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the construction of underpasses and overpasses.”
A nationwide campaign “I brake for wildlife” has been started by Padma Shri awardee and herpetologist Romulus Whitaker who has shared a video message for the public to drive safely to avoid accidents with wild animals, specially snakes on roads.
Regional partnerships are being formed with organisations — Raksha and Hope and Beyond from Rajasthan, Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society from Andhra Pradesh, OWlS from Maharashtra and several others. They are helping in popularising the app and campaign promotion.