Human Perceptions of Tigers & Tiger Conservation in Telangana, India

Abstract

The tiger (Panthera Tigris) is an endangered species across Asia, with India supporting more than 75% of the global tiger population. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, long-term tiger survival depends not only on ecological protection but also on the perceptions, experiences, and support of people living near tiger reserves. This thesis examines how local communities’ experiences with tigers and their perceived benefits of conservation shape their attitudes toward tiger conservation and environmental justice in and around two tiger reserves in Telangana, India: Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) and Kawal Tiger Reserve (KTR). Data was collected through an intercept survey of 621 respondents from core, buffer, and relocated communities between June and September 2025. The first study investigates community perceptions of tiger presence, perceived threats to tiger survival, and support for conservation. Results show that while many respondents reported direct or indirect tiger sightings, experiences varied significantly between reserves, with higher sightings in ATR than KTR. Perceptions of threats to tigers also differed spatially, with habitat loss, declining prey population, and human-tiger conflict viewed as more severe in KTR. Poaching and free-roaming dogs were generally considered minor threats in both reserves. Despite these differences, overall support for tiger conservation remained strong across both landscapes, particularly in ATR core and relocated villages, indicating that lived experience with tigers and proximity to reserves shape conservation attitudes. The second study examines how perceived costs and benefits of living near tiger reserves influence perceptions of environmental justice. Environmental justice refers to equitable distribution of benefits and costs (distributive), fair and transparent decision making (procedural), and respectful treatment (Interactional) of all individuals affected by environmental management. Findings indicate that most respondents do not feel they receive a fair share of benefits from tiger reserve, although many report being treated with respect and being somewhat included in decision making. Perceptions of tourism-related benefits and government support were positively associated with stronger perceptions of procedural and interactional justice, whereas an increase in perceived ‘costs’ of living near a tiger reserve corresponded with lower justice perceptions across all dimensions. Together, the findings of this thesis highlight that community experiences with wildlife and conservation-linked benefits play a critical role in shaping both conservation support and perceptions of fairness in reserve management. Integrating local perspectives and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits are essential for strengthening community engagement and achieving long-term, socially sustainable tiger conservation outcomes. Future research should explore how these relationships develop over time in various socio-economic and ecological contexts, especially in relation to shifting conservation policies and benefit-sharing mechanisms.