Vol. 10, Issue 9, Part A (2025)

Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC) is a growing challenge for rural communities living in close proximity to forests and protected areas. The present study was undertaken to assess the perception of farmers towards HWC using a survey-based perception test. A total of 120 respondents were selected, and their opinions were recorded on 11 structured statements, consisting of both positive and negative items. Each respondent’s score was determined by awarding points for consistent responses-agreement with positive statements and disagreement with negative statements, and vice versa. The responses were summarized in frequencies and percentages for each statement, followed by categorization of individuals into three perception groups: High (66.66-100), Medium (33.33-66.66), and Low (0-33.33). The results revealed that 30% of respondents had a high level of perception, while 70% fell under the medium category, with none in the low category. The findings highlight that although farmers are aware of the causes and impacts of HWC, most remain in a moderate awareness category, suggesting the need for capacity building and community-based educational interventions.