CU Aerospace Engineers Work to Fight Poaching in Africa
Jean Koster and his students, Ethan and Aaron, have been working on designing and AREND sensor aircraft to fight poaching of rhinos and elephants in Africa, and on Thursday, March 12, they will present their work as well as the ways in which the trade of ivory is deeply bound with Chinese and Southeast Asian markets.
AREND is a sensor aircraft for aerial surveillance specialized for detecting people, large animals, and specific shapes such as crashed aircraft. The AREND aircraft is an unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed from the bottom up to hold select sensors in modular arrangements. This translates to higher quality resource management, efficacy, capability and versatility, and lower operating cost for the National Parks organizations of Wildlife Reserves in Africa and elsewhere.
Wildlife conservation needs support to protect rhinos, elephants, and other endangered species from cruel poaching that may lead to extinction within the next ten years. Rhino horns are used in Chinese medicine, primarily in Vietnam, and China has a major industry in carving of ivory.
The talk will begin at 12:00 p.m. in the CAS Conference Room, located at 1424 Broadway, two doors north of Starbucks on University and Broadway. Lunch will be provided for attendees.
For a related article on the connection between Chin and the Africa ivory and rhino horn market, visit .