Conservation of the Asiatic lion: integrating the vision of park authorities with the values of local communities

摘要

The Gir Protected Area in Gujarat, India, is the last remaining shelter of the Asian lion (Panthera leo persica). This article presents different visions on lion conservation and ecosystem management practices of the Maldhari people. We analysed how these could be incorporated in the management of local wildlife. The field study was undertaken in the state of Gujarat, India, over a period of 2 months in 2003 and 1 month in 2008. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with 35 villagers living at the periphery of the Gir National Park. Group discussions were also organised with villagers living inside this protected area. The socio-economic repercussions of conservation on the Maldharis' livelihood were assessed by analysingfactors such as access to basic needs, land use and natural resources in the forest. Changes within the Maldhari households resulting from delocalisation policies were also analysed. Results show that the cultural values of the Maldharis play an important role in maintaining the area's ecological balance. Interview results highlight how the majority of the Maldharis, especially the elderly, consider the lions to be an integral part of their environment. This article shows that interactions between thelions and humans still represent an important aspect of the culture and local history of the Maldharis. It is important to rethink the current top-down conservation approach by adopting a more collaborative approach that integrates the vision on lion conservation of both park authorities and local communities.