Can education and outreach help foster human-sloth bear coexistence?
The coexistence of humans and wildlife, historically harmonious, has been disrupted by urbanization and industrialization, leading to human-wildlife conflicts. The Chhota Udepur region in central Gujarat has experienced conflicts between humans and sloth bears due to their shared habitats. The present study discusses the research and collaborative efforts undertaken by the WCB Research Foundation, in collaboration with the Gujarat Forest Department and other national and international organizations, to conserve sloth bears and mitigate the human-sloth bear conflict. It also aims to gain insights into local community sentiments toward wildlife and propose future objectives for fostering coexistence. To assess patterns, trends, locals’ attitudes and prudence, and the impacts of mitigation and education programs in the villages of central Gujarat, data on documented human-sloth bear conflicts have been compiled from various sources. The findings highlight the necessity for community outreach and education as essential tools for mitigating conflicts and promoting peaceful cohabitation among local communities and emphasizing a holistic approach, the study underscores the importance of incorporating ecological, socio-economic, and technological aspects to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife.