The Jumbo Jigsaw

The dense forests, an abode to myriad wildlife are being destroyed by humans. The shrunken habitats are forcing wildlife to come rummaging into human habitations resulting in human-animal conflict. Indian elephants are not only entering into nearby villages but also cities. These elephants are also foraying into areas which traditionally had no elephant population, leaving behind a trail of awe. All the stakeholders are in a quandary for a strategy to overcome this elephantine issue. Children- key stakeholders in future of wildlife management- were the respondents for this study. This study aims to explore the perceptions of school children in Odisha on human-elephant conflict. Mixed method of survey, semi-structured interviews and painting method were used to collect data. Painting competition and a cross-sectional survey were organized with school children. Students had diverse stories to share but the need for conservation was voiced in unison. The results suggest the need for developing innovative awareness programs, conducting regular preparedness drills, proper use of technology and adapt right lifestyle for a peaceful human- animal coexistence.