In the lap of Gods: Sacred bonds and socio-economic dynamics in resolving Human-Bonnet Macaque conflicts for harmonious coexistence

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202404.0071.v1
• Publication Date: 2024-04-03T04:11:57Z
• Authors: Chaithra Bhagavat...; Deepa P M; George Chandy; Biju P Habeeb; Pranav O
• Keywords: Dynamics

The study delves into the multifaceted landscape of human-macaque conflict within temple ecosystems, with a specific focus on Bonnet Macaques. In context intertwined religious, cultural, and social values, understanding public attitudes towards these commensal species becomes pivotal. research aims to decipher socio-economic factors that shape perceptions human-monkey temples explore sacred groves. To achieve objectives, comprehensive questionnaire was administered through household interviews 100 residents living both 1 sq. km 2 radius area, ensuring direct participant interaction. survey, taking approximately 40 minutes per participant, examined six variables, including occupation, religion, annual income. data collected analysed using SPSS ver. 24 software, employing chi-square test independence associations between categorical variables. findings revealed occupation religion emerged as influential in shaping Macaques problematic. While income hinted at significance, age, education, knowledge Kysannur Forest Disease (KFD) did not significantly impact Macaque perception. Interestingly, age significant factor influencing perception monkeys' religious whereas only education affiliation impacted feeding practices monkeys. Surprisingly, other demographic variables such gender, showed no influence monkey practices. These results underscore intricate interplay socioeconomic, behaviours further sheds light practices, emphasizing need for nuanced conservation strategies. Recognizing complexities is crucial developing culturally sensitive efforts. By acknowledging identified this research, strategies can be tailored communities, fostering harmonious coexistence humans ecosystems. This approach ensures efforts are effective but also respectful diverse socio-cultural contexts which they implemented.