A microsite analysis of resource use around Kaziranga national park, India: Implications for conservation and development planning

Abstract

We used a semistructured social survey of 590 households in 37 villages along the southern boundary of Kaziranga National Park and World Heritage Site, Assam, India in late 2000 and early 2001 to assess resource use and demographic and socioeconomic conditions. Kaziranga, recently expanded in size in a region with a large and diverse human population, is globally important for the conservation of several critically endangered species. This was the first in-depth study of its kind in Kaziranga. The results showed highly variable resource use patterns as a function of caste/ethnic group, educational level, socioeconomic and immigration status of households, and location with respect to the park and wildlife corridors. We highlight the importance of and present a basis for electing a microsite planning approach for conservation and development in areas characterized by (1) high ethnic diversity, (2) high human population densities, and (3) endangered, land-dependent large mammal populations that pose economic risks. Individualized development schemes and participatory approaches to management at the local level are critical to achieve conservation and development goals in these cases. © 2007 Sage Publications.