Impact of Wildlife Technology on Local Communities

The introduction of wildlife tracking cameras in the forests of India, particularly in the Corbett Tiger Reserve, has significantly altered the way local communities, such as the Van Gujar people, interact with their environment. Traditionally, women would venture into the woods for essential resources and social interactions, but the presence of these cameras has compromised their sense of privacy and safety. For instance, some women have stopped engaging in traditional practices, such as singing songs that serve both cultural and safety purposes, due to fears of being recorded and misrepresented. This technology, initially intended for wildlife conservation, has inadvertently led to a form of surveillance that limits personal expression and community dynamics among marginalized groups.