Pachyderms through Pencil: Children’s Perception and Understanding of
Human Elephant Conflict and Coexistence
- Medha Nayak,
- Pranaya swain
Abstract
The study was conducted among young children from the villages near the
migratory corridor of the elephants, by employing draw and write method
which is a subjective yet effective method in understanding the
perception of the young stakeholders on complex issues like HEC,
coexistence and conservation. The young respondents expressed negative
interaction between humans and elephants, and also the vulnerability
indicators. The discontent among young children was evident and it could
further erode the future stakeholders' traditional and cultural connect
that contributes to safeguard future of wildlife. Content analysis of
the drawn sketches complemented by subsequent discussion in the context
of their production provided profound and in-depth insights into the
complex situation.