Naturalistic Intelligence Among Undergraduate Students: A Study on Environmental Sensitivity in Higher Education

In the wake of intensifying global environmental crises such as climate change, ecological degradation, and biodiversity loss the cultivation of environmental sensitivity among youth has become a critical imperative for higher education. Naturalistic Intelligence, conceptualized by Gardner (1999) as the ability to recognize and classify elements of the natural world while demonstrating ecological awareness, offers a vital lens through which educational institutions can foster sustainability-oriented thinking. This study examines the levels and dimensions of Naturalistic Intelligence among undergraduate students in Bihar, India, highlighting its role in shaping environmentally responsible attitudes. The findings reveal that a considerable proportion of students exhibit moderate to high levels of naturalistic awareness, particularly in the domains of Sensory Awareness and Environmental Stewardship, indicating an emerging, albeit surface-level, ecological consciousness. The relatively low engagement in Cultural-Historical Connections and Personal Reflection suggests a disconnect from deeper environmental meaning-making. A significant gender-based variation was observed in favor of male students, while no notable differences emerged across academic stream or residential background. By advancing Naturalistic Intelligence within educational frameworks, universities can play a transformative role in fostering planetary stewardship among future generations.