Tribal Communities and Wildlife Conservation: A Study of Sustainable Practices in Rajnandgaon-Kabirdham, Chhattisgarh (India)

Abstract

The assertion that tribal communities, particularly within the Chhattisgarh region, are responsible for the decline of wildlife diversity is fundamentally erroneous, as their interactions with wildlife are predominantly constructive, owing to their sustainable practices. This scholarly article, entitled "Tribal Perspectives on Wildlife: A Case Study of the Rajnandgaon-Kabirdham Districts, Chhattisgarh, India," seeks to explore this phenomenon. Primary data were systematically gathered from the locales of Mohla and Ambagarh Chowki in the southern region, as well as from Pandaria and Bodla in the northern region, utilizing structured questionnaires during December 2015. The tribal participants reported a substantial presence of various wild fauna, which implies a relatively low degree of habitat degradation. Nonetheless, key species such as the Tiger, bison, hyena, and Jackal have experienced a significant decline in numbers. The northern area demonstrates a higher richness of wildlife in comparison to the southern region, which can be attributed to the initiatives of the forest department under The Bhoram Dev Sanctuary project. Tribal individuals residing in proximity to forested areas exhibit a cognizance of the factors contributing to biodiversity loss, pinpointing timber extraction for fuel and the expansion of agricultural lands as major drivers of deforestation. Approximately 90% of the tribal respondents expressed support for a synergistic coexistence with wildlife, recognizing the essential role of wild animals in human survival. The results elucidate inadequacies in the conservation initiatives undertaken by both forestry officials and local governance structures in the region.