Human-Wildlife Coexistence: Balancing Conservation and Livelihoods in Sariska Tiger Reserve, India

Abstract

Human-wildlife coexistence is a pressing issue in conservation, particularly in areas where protected reserves overlap with human settlements. Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in Rajasthan, India, is an important case study to gauge the complexities of balancing biodiversity conservation with local livelihoods. Despite conservation efforts, conflicts persist due to habitat encroachment, livestock depredation, and resource limitations. This study explores the socio-ecological challenges faced by communities living around Sariska, the effectiveness of conservation policies, and potential strategies for sustainable coexistence. Findings suggest that while conservation initiatives have contributed to tiger population recovery, local displacement and restricted access to resources have exacerbated socio-economic hardships, leading to resistance against conservation efforts (Shahabuddin et al., 2007). The research emphasizes the need for inclusive conservation models that integrate traditional knowledge, participatory governance, and economic incentives to ensure both ecological and human well-being (Agrawal, 2002; Colchester, 2003).