- University: Technische Universität Dresden
- Place of defence: Dresden
- Hosting institution(s): Human and Environment Alliance League (HEAL)
- Keywords: Indian grey wolf, striped hyena, local ecological knowledge, tolerance, human–carnivore coexistence, community-based conservation, Purulia, West Bengal
Abstract
Human–carnivore coexistence in human-dominated landscapes depends not only on ecological factors but also on the perceptions, knowledge, and tolerance of local communities. The present study investigated local ecological knowledge and tolerance towards the Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) and striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Purulia district, West Bengal, India. In addition, the study examined the influence of community-based conservation interventions implemented by the Human and Environment Alliance League (HEAL) on ecological knowledge and coexistence outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed using semi-structured interviews with 86 respondents from eight villages, including four intervention villages and four non-intervention villages. In addition, six members of the seed goat bank committee were interviewed to obtain contextual information regarding conservation interventions. Local ecological knowledge related to species identification, morphology, diet, habitat, activity patterns, sociality, seasonality, and behavioral characteristics was documented and compared with scientific ecological knowledge. Tolerance towards both carnivores was assessed using conflict-related, impact, psychological, value-based, and demographic indicators. Quantitative data were analysed using statistical approaches, whereas qualitative responses were analysed through directed content analysis and thematic analysis using NVivo. Respondents possessed considerable ecological knowledge regarding both species, and several observations corresponded closely with scientific ecological knowledge. Ecological knowledge regarding Indian grey wolves was generally higher in intervention villages, whereas knowledge regarding striped hyenas was broadly comparable between intervention and non-intervention villages. Direct conflict variables showed limited influence on tolerance. Instead, emotions, perceived risks, and perceived benefits emerged as important drivers of coexistence. Wolves were generally associated with higher perceived risks because of concerns regarding livestock depredation, whereas striped hyenas were increasingly recognized for their scavenging behavior and ecological role. Most respondents exhibited passive coexistence, followed by stewardship behaviors, while intolerant responses were absent. Overall, the findings demonstrate that coexistence in Purulia is shaped by complex social and psychological factors rather than direct conflict alone. The study highlights the importance of integrating local ecological knowledge with scientific knowledge and emphasizes the role of sustained community-based conservation interventions in promoting long-term coexistence between people and carnivores in eastern India.
