Applying Thomas-Kilmann’s Conflict Handling Styles in the context of Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence: A study from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Thomas, K.W. and Kilmann, R.H. have developed five types of conflict handling styles that become broadly adopted for dealing with the conflicts in human relationships. But not much applied in the emerging context of the conflict between human and wildlife. Therefore, this study aimed to adopt and analyze whether these techniques are helpful, possible and effective to deal with human-wildlife conflict. In this study, the researcher is trying to gather an opinion of the local community including tribal and non-tribal communities from the conflict-affected areas of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala. The study reveals that there is no other alternative or solution to this conflict other than exploring the ways and possibilities of collaboration/coexistence in areas where humans and wildlife interact. The study finds the scope and relevance in extending the theories of Thomas & Kilmann’s Conflict handling styles in the area of human and wildlife conflict.