Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
In the arid expanses of Dubai's Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve, an innovative breakthrough in wildlife management is quietly unfolding. At the heart of this revolution is DCC, a leading Emirati research and development company spearheaded by Ali Khalfan Algaz. DCC's latest creations — advanced wildlife feeders equipped with next-generation AI — are transforming the way conservationists interact with and monitor wildlife.
Aletihad spoke to Algaz on the sidelines of the 21st edition of ADIHEX, held at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers' Club.
The CEO of DCC spoke passionately about the company’s journey.
“Our technology evolved through stages. The devices we have today didn’t just materialise overnight. Each iteration brought us closer to perfection.” This approach has culminated in two groundbreaking devices: a deer feeder and a bird feeder, both of which are currently deployed in the vast Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Precision and Efficiency
The deer feeder “Dehba” features weight sensors and multiple feeding chambers. “This feeder is designed to maintain a precise weight of fodder in each chamber,” explained Algaz. “For instance, if you set a range of 5 to 10 kilogrammes, the device will automatically replenish the chambers from an overhead container whenever the amount drops below the minimum threshold.”
This automated system is not only about efficiency but also precision. The feeder’s scales ensure that the fodder is kept at optimal levels, which is crucial for maintaining the health of the wildlife. The stored fodder is safeguarded against humidity and heat through an advanced monitoring system that alerts operators if the conditions exceed acceptable limits.
“The materials used are top-notch,” Algaz noted. “We use stainless steel with a double powder coating, designed to withstand the extreme temperatures and humidity of the region.”
In just two months, the Dehba feeder has achieved impressive results, with over 1,000 deer detections and more than 600 deer recognitions.
It has also dispensed 1.5 tonnes of feed, reflecting a 75% reduction in feed compared to manual methods, according to Algaz.
Adaptability
He explained that the deer feeder can be easily transformed into a bird feeder by swapping out the feeding chambers for a rotating piece that disperses bird feed over a distance of 10 metres, customised based on the specific needs of the reserve.
These devices operate with a zero-carbon footprint and provide continuous real-time monitoring 24/7. They can be controlled by operators through a user-friendly app, which allows them to access collected data on wildlife activity and feeding patterns.
Avian Conservation
The bird feeder, named MNGAR, has been deployed in the Al Marmoom Desert for six months. It has dispensed 11.2 tonnes of feed, also achieving up to a 75% reduction in feed compared to manual methods.
The device also recorded 3.6 million bird visits and identified 1.6 million individual bird species.
“MNGAR is not just about feeding birds,” Algaz said. “It’s also about understanding them.”
The device is equipped with state-of-the-art AI technology that enables it to offer valuable insights into local avian biodiversity. It tracks bird species, generating detailed and precise reports on bird populations and behaviors.
Reducing Human Impact
One of the key benefits of DCC’s feeders is their ability to minimise human interference in wildlife reserves, according to Algaz.
Traditionally, feeding would require frequent human presence, which could disturb the animals. With this new technology, human visits are reduced to once or twice a month.
Algaz noted that this reduction has led to increased daytime activity among the deer at Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve, who previously avoided feeding areas during the day due to human presence.
Sustainable and Advanced Technology
What sets DCC apart is its entirely local development process.
Both the software and hardware components of the devices are designed and manufactured within the UAE, ensuring that the technology is tailored to the region’s specific environmental conditions, according to Algaz.
These wildlife feeders are built to endure harsh environmental conditions, he noted. The use of high-grade metals ensures longevity and resistance to both heat and humidity. The devices also operate on solar-powered systems equipped with high-capacity lithium batteries that can last up to 45 days without sunlight.
This design philosophy not only enhances durability but also aligns with DCC’s mission of environmental stewardship. “Our devices blend technology with sustainability, fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife,” Algaz said.
