Odisha Brings AI-Powered ‘HAWK’ Platform for Wildlife Protection
Artificial intelligence to drive real-time monitoring, offender profiling, and hotspot prediction across forest regions
Bhubaneswar : The Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and NTT DATA, has officially launched the Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK) — an advanced AI-driven platform designed to revolutionize wildlife protection and forest crime management. The launch took place during the valedictory ceremony of the 71st National Wildlife Week 2025 in Bhubaneswar, marking a major milestone in India’s use of artificial intelligence for conservation.
The event was graced by Odisha Governor Dr. Kambhampati Hari Babu, Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu (IAS), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) Suresh Pant (IFS), and Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha (IFS). The ceremony was attended by senior policymakers, scientists, forest officers, and conservation experts from across the country.
How AI Powers HAWK’s Smart Surveillance
The HAWK platform represents a new generation of conservation technology built on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time data integration. Its AI core is designed to analyze vast amounts of data collected from forest patrol reports, digital case files, and field sensors. The system then identifies suspicious patterns — such as recurring poaching hotspots, illegal logging routes, or known offender movements — and alerts enforcement teams for quick intervention.
At its core, HAWK functions as a centralised data intelligence hub, replacing fragmented manual record-keeping with a unified digital system. It leverages AI algorithms for hotspot prediction, offender profiling, real-time case tracking, and decision support. The machine learning models analyze historical and live data to predict areas with a high likelihood of illegal activities, while its offender profiling tools map behavioral patterns of repeat offenders to help authorities anticipate their next moves. Each case is digitally logged, monitored, and updated in real time, ensuring accountability from detection to prosecution. Moreover, the AI-generated insights assist forest officials in prioritizing patrol areas, allocating manpower more effectively, and coordinating better with law enforcement agencies.
By automating these processes, HAWK not only improves the speed of investigations but also enhances the accuracy of decision-making — a critical factor in wildlife protection where every minute counts.
Odisha Leads the Way in Tech-Enabled Conservation
Already in operation in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, Odisha’s adoption of HAWK signals a transformative step toward data-driven forest governance. The system’s integration will enable inter-agency collaboration among forest, police, and intelligence departments, ensuring that information flows seamlessly across all enforcement levels.
Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said that technology like HAWK is “the need of the hour” to counter evolving threats to wildlife. “With poachers and traffickers using sophisticated tools, conservation enforcement must be equally advanced. HAWK gives our frontline forest staff an edge,” he noted.
Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha added that the platform will serve as the official Wildlife Offence Management Tool for Odisha, empowering field officers with real-time intelligence and operational transparency.
AI for Accountability and Conservation Impact
The idea for HAWK originated with the Wildlife Trust of India, which sought to develop a digital solution to manage wildlife crime data across states. “There were no such systems available to track offences from detection to prosecution,” said Jose Louies, CEO of WTI. “HAWK’s AI engine ensures that no case goes unnoticed, and no criminal activity slips through the cracks. It transforms how we understand and respond to wildlife threats.”
Developed with technological expertise from NTT DATA, the platform ensures data security, scalability, and interoperability, making it adaptable for various ecosystems and administrative frameworks.
By combining artificial intelligence with on-ground conservation expertise, HAWK represents a critical evolution in India’s fight against forest crimes. For Odisha — home to rich biodiversity and sensitive ecosystems — this move positions the state as a leader in using digital intelligence to protect its natural heritage.
