Abstract
There is a growing public concern and controversy regarding human-wildlife coexistence in suburban settings. To minimize the impact of human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) on conservation goals, we need to understand the mechanisms behind such conflicts. Much of the public dissemination of information about biodiversity and wildlife, human-wildlife conflicts and awareness of conservation occur through the mass media. Wildlife news is presumed to be an under-reported item in the media. This study conducted a content analysis of print media articles on wildlife, biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife conflict in North-East (NE) India. 61% of the analysed newspapers are National followed by 38% Local newspapers and only 1% Community newspapers. The reports emphasized more on large endangered land mammals of NE India including Big-cats, Rhinos, Elephants, and other endangered species such as Greater adjutant storks accounting for 290 articles out of the 503 wildlife reports considered in this paper. Poaching of rhinos was one of the issues majorly covered by both the Local and National newspapers. Business newspapers focused less on wildlife issues and conservation awareness as compared to other National newspapers. Undergoing conservation projects such as the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme were reported significantly less in the daily newspapers. Media can play an important role in shaping the scenario regarding wildlife and biodiversity and the outlook of public towards them by spreading awareness and educating people on the need of conservation of wildlife and the environment.