PROSPECTS FOR COEXISTENCE - WILDLIFE AND LOCAL PEOPLE

Findings of a field survey on the interface between local people and w ildlife in the Royal Chitwan National Park explore the potential for c oexistence of wildlife and local people. Based on three distinct areas defined by their distance to the park, the complexities and dynamics of local people's perceptions, attitudes and motivation towards wildli fe conservation are analyzed. The findings indicate that although loca l people disliked the restrictions imposed by the park authority, curt ailing the use of park resources, they take a positive attitude to wil dlife conservation. Their active involvement in protection and conserv ation could be secured if due consideration is given to their needs, w hich would have to be addressed in the overall planning and management of the park.