Social Factors Drive Sloth Bear Conflict In Gujarat: An Integrated Interdisciplinary Approach To Human-Wildlife Conflict And Coexistence

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a major and increasing problem around the globe, heavily impacting livelihoods and leading to injury and loss of life of both humans and wildlife. Effective measures are urgently needed to facilitate a sustainable state of coexistence, but are hindered by its high complexity and interdisciplinary nature. In the densely populated state of Gujarat, India, this is not different, where interactions between humans and sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) are becoming increasingly problematic and knowledge about both the environmental and the anthropogenic sides is largely missing. This study aimed to increase our understanding of human-sloth bear interactions in Gujarat and HWC and coexistence in general, using an integrative interdisciplinary approach that includes both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Specifically, the predicted probability of sloth bear occurrence is modelled, based on sign survey data and a combination of environmental and anthropogenic variables; an assessment is made of social underlying effects, such as perceptions and attitudes, with a questionnaire survey; and the divergence in viewpoints and values among the local population is identified using Q-methodology. Importantly, this study showed sloth bear occurrence to be limited by forest cover and anthropogenic influences, but to not be related to perceptions of conflict and coexistence. Moreover, it showed HWC and coexistence to be mainly driven by underlying social aspects, including the perceptions affecting attitudes, a general underappreciation of relational values and stakeholder diversity. To more effectively address HWC in Gujarat and facilitate human-sloth bear coexistence, more attention and investment should be directed at the anthropogenic side of this story, in order to increase positive attitudes toward sloth bears. Specifically, building a conservation narrative that includes the full spectrum of viewpoints and values prevalent in this region would be a strong step in the right direction.