KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTION TOWARDS THE WILDLIFE AND PROTECTED AREAS: THE CASE OF COMMUNITIE

The difficulties produced by wildlife, as well as social, political, cultural, economic, and ecological aspects, influence community knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of Human-Wildlife Conflict. Community opinions and attitudes regarding wildlife are aligned with the offered remedies or mitigation techniques. As a result, understanding these is critical for planning solutions. From November 2010 to January 2011, we researched community knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of wildlife and protected areas in and around Ethiopia's Chebera-Churchura National Park. In seven communities, 300 semi-structured interviews, focus group talks, and direct observations were undertaken. SPSS software version 16.0 was used to analyse the data. The findings suggest that the majority of respondents (87.67 percent) had a negative view toward the park and focal carnivores (95.4 percent ). Due to livestock loss, psychological anguish, and human attacks, the lion (Panthera leo), leopard (Panthera pardus), and spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) were the most dreaded animals. Only 4.6 percent of participants associate focus carnivores with creating tourism revenue, cleaning the environment, and serving as environmental history. Furthermore, there is a sour connection between park managers and the surrounding residents. The attitudes and opinions of local residents were influenced by factors such as age, level of education, socioeconomic activity, and human-wildlife conflict. As a result, it was suggested that society be educated, a favourable attitude toward the park and its resources be created, and improved cooperation between communities and park administrators be improved in order to boost the benefit of the park to society.

Please see the link :- https://www.ikprress.org/index.php/JOGAE/article/view/726