Pachyderms through Pencil: Children’s Perception and Understanding of Human Elephant Conflict and Coexistence

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.