The instances of human–elephant conflict (HEC) are becoming pervasive in elephant range areas across the globe. One of the primary reasons is the exclusion and under-representation of local communities in the planning and implementation of mitigation strategies. However, engaging with local communities and considering their viewpoints are vital for the success of conflict mitigation and conservation efforts. This qualitative study was undertaken to gain a reasonably comprehensive understanding of the local community's perspectives concerning elephants in the Balasore district of Odisha, a state along the Eastern coast of India. Qualitative data obtained primarily through focus group discussions were analyzed using MAXQDA 2020 to perform thematic analysis of participants' narratives. Six common themes emerged from the study: exposure and experiences with elephants, the efficacy of deterrents, compassionate payment provisions, reasons for tolerance, and expectations. Attempts were made to understand the community viewpoints and offer implementable recommendations to improve human–elephant interactions by adopting more inclusive and participatory conservation practices.

中文翻译：

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人象互动：社区对冲突缓解和保护机制的看法

人象冲突 (HEC) 的情况在全球大象分布区越来越普遍。主要原因之一是当地社区在缓解战略的规划和实施过程中被排斥在外且代表性不足。然而，与当地社区接触并考虑他们的观点对于缓解冲突和保护工作的成功至关重要。进行这项定性研究是为了合理全面地了解当地社区对印度东海岸奥里萨邦 Balasore 地区大象的看法。使用 MAXQDA 2020 对主要通过焦点小组讨论获得的定性数据进行分析，以对参与者的叙述进行主题分析。研究中出现了六个共同主题：与大象的接触和经历、威慑力的功效、富有同情心的付款规定、容忍的理由和期望。尝试了解社区观点并提供可实施的建议，以通过采用更具包容性和参与性的保护实践来改善人象互动。