http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/735 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:30:34 GMT 2026-04-14T19:30:34Z http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/746 Title: Documenting the traditional indigenous knowledge of the korku adivasi community in melghat, maharashtra for integrating it into community forest resource (cfr) management Authors: Punaji Kale, Ramlal; Dhaju Bethekar, Vasant Abstract: The objective of their study was to document the traditional knowledge of the Korku tribal community, to which they both belong. The study aims to understand whether a sense of coexistence with wildlife can be fostered based on the customs and practices of the Korku community, and whether this can simultaneously lead to the economic and social development of the Korku people. The means of connecting the Korku community with coexistence and socio-economic development is through Community Forest Resource (CFR) management. CFR management is a key provision of the Forest Rights Act of 2006, which has been successfully implemented in some parts of Maharashtra. The Korku community has been residing in Maharashtra, particularly in the villages of the Melghat forest region, for many years. Their findings indicate that if the community forest rights of the Korku villages across the landscape are fully recognised, then, based on Korku traditional knowledge, then these villages of the Melghat region can successfully manage CFRs with a spirit of coexistence. This study suggests that the Korku community, along with various other forest-dependent tribal communities in Central India, can effectively manage forests collectively based on their traditional knowledge and have the capacity to coexist with wildlife. To promote this coexistence, it is essential to acknowledge the historical injustices they have faced and grant them recognition of their forest rights. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/746 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/745 Title: Coexistence through cultural revival among the adi bokar community in arunachal pradesh Authors: Pujen, Taju; Singh, Vivek Kumar Abstract: Their study explores how cultural revival can foster coexistence with wildlife amid ecological and social transitions. The Adi Bokar, a sub-tribe of the larger Adi group residing in the Monigong circle of Shi-Yomi district with a population of approximately 10,000, depend heavily on agriculture and forest resources. However, they face persistent challenges, including limited access to health, education, infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities. Increasing religious conversion has contributed to the erosion of indigenous traditions and disrupted intergenerational knowledge transmission. Through an ethnographic approach combining community meetings, semi-structured interviews, ritual documentation, and a 12day high altitude trek to the culturally significant region addressed by the community as “Dibin”, the study investigates community perceptions of wildlife and the cultural dynamics of coexistence. Findings reveal that wildlife presence aligns with agricultural cycles and environmental cues, but species composition is shifting due to deforestation, religious transition, and broader ecological changes. Negative interactions between humans and wildlife remain a concern, reflecting both ecological stress and livelihood insecurity. The community’s coping strategies—ranging from non-lethal deterrents to occasional lethal measures—demonstrate the delicate balance between subsistence needs and conservation ethics. The study underscores the interconnectedness of ecology, culture, and livelihood, advocating for integrative conservation frameworks that recognize indigenous knowledge and support cultural revival as a pathway toward sustainable human–wildlife coexistence and conservation of biodiversity. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/745 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/744 Title: Understanding human–crocodile interactions in their shared spaces in charotar region, central gujarat Authors: Mistry, Vishal Abstract: This project focused on studying interactions between human communities and marsh crocodiles, identification of village-specific challenges, related to crocodiles and invasive plants in wetlands, and an exploration of crocodile movements and habitat use. Marsh crocodiles or muggers are known to have existed in several large freshwater bodies in Gujarat since ancient times, and the state has one of the largest populations of mugger crocodiles in India. The muggers of Charotar region in central Gujarat live in human-made communal water bodies within semi-urban agriculturally dominated areas. Unlike other areas, Charotar has historically had very few negative interactions between humans and crocodile. This intricate relationship is, nevertheless, rapidly evolving in the changing Anthropocene of the tropics and mutually agonistic interactions may amplify further in the future. As these relationships evolve, understanding the coexistence dynamics between these two communities thus becomes crucial. This project aims to unravel these complexities and inform conservation efforts for the possibly threatened mugger populations of the region. The local communities here face different types of challenges caused by farmland and road damage, often due to burrows dug by crocodiles. In addition, heavy infestations by water hyacinth make fishing very difficult or even impossible, and fisherfolk face loss of nets and impeded access to these waterbodies. The infestation of water hyacinth and other aquatic plants further prompted crocodile movement, which, in turn, would have increased interactions with humans and livestock in the Charotar region. Project promotes human-crocodile coexistence via community engagement, challenge identification, solution inputs, resource mapping, and sustainable strategies to boost tolerance and reduce conflicts. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/744 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/743 Title: Exploring traditional knowledge and fisher folk perspectives on coastal and marine biodiversity conservation in thrissur and kollam, kerala Authors: K R, Yadukrishna; George, Akhila Abstract: Set against the backdrop of increasing ecological changes and socio-economic pressures in Kerala’s coastal regions, this study explores the evolving relationship between traditional and scientific knowledge systems, changing marine ecosystems, and the concept of coexistence within coastal fishing communities. Their findings highlight how the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK),cultural values, and local practices of fishing communities are being reshaped by both environmental and socio-cultural changes. It examines how TEK can contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable fishing practices. The study underscores the importance of recognizing habitat-specific knowledge and adopting locally grounded, participatory approaches to conservation. The project emphasizes that there are multiple narratives of sustainability and conservation. This work represents an effort to reconnect with ecological memory that is at risk of being lost. Ultimately, it advocates for pluralizing our understanding of sustainability, knowledge, and coexistence to support more just and resilient futures for both people and the ocean. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://tdudspace.texicon.in:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/743 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z