trip alarms This is a simple, low-tech method to help with farm guarding, alerting farmers when elephants are entering farmland. When the trip wire is moved by an elephant, it produces alarm sounds to help in night-guarding efforts. Trip alarm fence built in Mwakoma village, Sagalla Tsavo © Brayn Mwalavu/Save the Elephants
Different types of trip alarms Fences that trigger electronic sirens with motion.
More commonly used alarms are crackers, cowbells or cans filled with stones.
One of the easiest methods that can be used is a trip wire.
You can be creative and use what is available to you to make a noise-making alarm.
This triggers an alarm when placed in the path of the elephant.
Why are they useful? Trip alarms are very useful for early detection of elephants and warning others. At times elephants can be extremely quiet, and it is not always easy to see them entering farms. This may also help prevent accidental encounters.
TIP This is also a good acoustic deterrent. 1.
What else should you use them with? Trip alarms are most effective if used along with night guarding techniques and combined deterrents. Other night guarding techniques include; tree platforms, watchtowers, strong spotlights, radios or mobile phones for communication. Active routes for entry and exit that elephants use are identified– to concentrate your guarding efforts.
See Night Guarding with Light and fire for more.