Geospatial technologies for monitoring carnivore activity at campsites: integrating remote sensing and GIS for human-wildlife coexistence

The global expansion of human populations and consequent growth of human-inhabited areas are increasing interactions between humans and wildlife worldwide. As a result, many species modify their behaviors, with some avoiding human presence and facing habitat loss, while others develop higher tolerance to humans. This tolerance often provides access to more predictable and abundant food sources, leading wildlife to utilize anthropogenic landscapes more frequently. However, increased human tolerance can also have severe consequences, escalating conflicts that pose risks to both humans and wildlife. In the Israeli Negev Desert, carnivores such as wolves and jackals are increasingly exhibiting bold and aggressive behavior toward humans, particularly at campsites. These animals often associate humans with food and have lost their natural fear, leading to attacks - mainly on children - and raising safety concerns among campers. Researchers at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, in collaboration with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA), are conducting research to understand carnivore behavior and reduce their presence at campsites, ultimately preventing attacks on humans. The goal is to transform human-carnivore conflict into coexistence using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates GIS, remote sensing, and in-situ monitoring through AI analysis of carnivores and humans. This research combines geospatial technologies with field data collection. Camera traps are used to record carnivores and human activities at campsites, while campers' attitudes toward carnivores are assessed through field observations and semi-structured questionnaires. Climatic parameters such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed and direction are collected using meteorological stations and satellite-based sensors. These variables, combined with camera data on carnivore activity and behaviors alongside human activities (e.g., setting up tents, cooking, waste disposal, campfires), will help predict how environmental factors influence carnivore behavior and distribution. As part of the geospatial component, an interactive dashboard has been developed to monitor and analyze human-carnivore interactions and environmental conditions. This platform visualizes environmental data, wildlife activity, and human presence, integrating long-term observations, questionnaire responses, and attack records. The system enables the generation of reports and analyses, providing insights that can inform strategies for fostering sustainable human-wildlife coexistence in the Negev Desert.