Cultural bridges to coexistence: local perceptions of wolf conservation in tribal landscapes

Human-wildlife coexistence is strongly shaped by socio-cultural and economic contexts, particularly in landscapes where conservation areas overlap with local livelihoods. Although protected areas are essential for carnivore conservation, interactions with resident communities can influence tolerance toward wildlife. We assessed villagers’ attitudes toward wolf conservation and examined the socio-economic and cultural factors shaping these views in Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, India’s first designated wolf sanctuary. Using a questionnaire survey conducted in 2023 and a Likert-scale approach, we evaluated attitudes across households in surrounding villages. Results indicated generally positive attitudes toward wolf conservation, with many respondents expressing willingness to collaborate with the forest department in conservation activities. Education level, female respondents, and adherence to the Sarna religion were associated with more positive attitudes. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating socio-cultural dimensions into carnivore conservation strategies and emphasize the role of community engagement in promoting sustainable human-wolf coexistence in tribal landscapes.