Human-wildlife conflict is a worldwide issue, especially in villages around or in protected areas. Superficially, the conflict will exist when villagers aware that someone, who intend to protect the species, dominated the policy-decision process. As a result, the damages are treated as an imposed burden and lead to a feeling of helplessness even trigger angers from local communities.
As field researchers studying the conflicts, we need to conduct field works in these areas in weeks-long and frequently contact with villagers and even build up friendships. In some situations, local guides or villagers may ask you about “why do we need to protect this species killing livestock or raiding crops”. This question is likely to imply a doubt of your works or a question “Why do you study this troublesome species”.
Do you feel feel a little embarrassed or awkward? how you replied? how do you reply in the future? Please share your experience.
There are many reasons why it is important to protect elephants, large carnivores and conflict-prone ungulates. Here are some of the most important reasons:
1. Conservation of biodiversity: These animals are an integral part of biodiversity and play a crucial role in keeping the ecosystem in balance. By protecting these animals, we are also protecting the entire ecosystem.
2. Ecotourism: Elephants, large carnivores and conflict-prone ungulates are often seen as iconic animals and are a major attraction for ecotourism. Protecting these animals can therefore help boost the local economy and provide jobs in the tourism industry.
3. Cultural Significance: In many cultures around the world, these animals hold significant symbolic and spiritual significance. The protection of these animals is therefore also important to preserve cultural traditions.
4. Prevention of Human-Animal Conflicts: Conflicts between humans and elephants, large carnivores and conflict-prone ungulates are common, especially in areas where human populations are growing rapidly and natural habitats are in decline. decrease. By protecting these animals, we can also help minimize conflict with humans.
In summary, protecting elephants, large carnivores and conflict-prone ungulates is important for biodiversity conservation, ecotourism, preservation of cultural traditions and prevention of human-animal conflict.
Dear Cheng, you have come to a very valuable concern of the real stake holders in wildlife conservation. Though this question has been asked by everyone starting from commoners to the experts, still there has never been serious reflection on this aspect. However, it is possible to solve these problems by involving the local communities in the whole process of wildlife conservation. It is not about picking certain people from the area, it is about opening up to everybody whoever is interested in this. Even for raising their interest we have to have programs for raising awareness. Lassaad Hedhili's points further need to be supplemented with locals' needs and wants. When locals are involved in research, awareness programs, ecotourism, decision making etc.,the wildlife conservation would start making sense to the locals too. In fact, rather than just sharing with them, we have to make them the partners if not owners of the process.
Thanks Lassaad Hedhili and Jaswinder Sandhu for sharing your ideas. for my case in studying Asian elephants in China bordering Laos and Vietnam, most of local villagers known that elephants are protected and important in ecotourism and traditional culture of Dai people. However, majority of local villagers suffered the damages hate elephants. Furthermore, it is a fact that the damages are super hard to be reduced. I think it is also similar for cases of lots of large carnivores. Yes, we have many ways to answer the question, but which is better based on real experience in field rather than "suppose to be"? Based on my observation, an answer expressing your emotional feeling about elephants is better, such as "people love elephants" or "I like elephants". Is there any "ten-rules" guide for answering the question?
My experience is that coming at such individuals with science and well-reasoned arguments isn't likely to get you very far. I would suggest starting by communicating empathy for their position (people are less likely to argue with you when they can see you're sympathetic to their problems). If possible, you might then describe a similar experience (and how it made you feel), as shared experiences help us relate to and trust one another. Rather than lecturing on the science of biodiversity loss, try finding a suitable metaphor or a concrete exemplar that help explains your views; or perhaps ask them why they think killing is an inappropriate response. The point here is not to be direct, and condemning but rather, thoughtful and open about the dilemma those individuals face. These are just a few, admittedly, off-the-cuff ideas. Apologies that I don't have time for more.
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