Perception of Local Communities towards Mitigation of Human Wildlife Conflict in Haridwar

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflicts are frequently observed in areas surrounding national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, often resulting in adverse consequences including property damage, injuries to humans and livestock, and, in some cases, the loss of human or animal life. The Haridwar Forest Division is one such region that has been significantly affected by these conflicts. This study investigates the influence of gender on the perceptions of local communities regarding negative human-wildlife interactions. A total of 300 respondents (160 women and 140 men) were interviewed to assess the extent to which gender influences perceptions of conflict and preferences for mitigation strategies. The findings indicate that gender does not statistically affect perceptions related to conflict frequency or the direct impact on humans. However, moderate gender-based differences were observed in perceptions concerning the causes of conflict, the perceived effectiveness of mitigation measures, and the effect of wildlife. These findings suggest that gender plays a nuanced role in shaping attitudes toward human-wildlife conflict. It is essential to incorporate gender-sensitive approaches to enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of community-based mitigation efforts. The study recommends developing targeted strategies to actively involve women in conflict mitigation initiatives and raise awareness about methods for preventing and minimizing such conflicts.