vtrt survey draft report

8/10/2019 VTRT Survey draft report

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Draft Report

Conducting Survey to Assess the VTRTKnowledge, Performance, Motivation, Capacityand Their Social Acceptance to the Community

Submitted To:

Bagh Project, USAID

Submitted By:

The Nielsen Company (Bangladesh) Limited

December 17, 2014


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December 17, 2014

To,

Rezvin AkterCoordinator

USAIDs Bagh Project, WildTeam

House 42, Road 38, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1213

Subject: Draft report of Conducting Survey to Assess the VTRT Knowledge,Performance, Motivation, Capacity and Their Social Acceptance to theCommunity.

Dear Madam:

Please find the attached draft report of Conducting Survey to Assess the VTRTKnowledge, Performance, Motivation, Capacity and Their Social Acceptance tothe Community.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for providing us the privilege to

submit the proposal.

Should you have any queries, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

Waliul Mutasim Matin

Director, Social Research

The Nielsen Company (Bangladesh) Limited


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Acronyms and Abbreviations

FD Forest DepartmentNGO Non-Government Organization

THC Tiger Human ConflictTHCM Tiger Human Conflict Management

VTRT Village Tiger Response Team


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Executive Summary

WildTeam, a conservation organization in Bangladesh working since 2003, is currentlyworking to conserve Bengal Tiger in the Sundarbans. The Sundarbans is the home to one of

the world's largest remaining tiger populations, estimated at 300-500 individuals. Over 1million people are directly or indirectly dependent on the natural resources of theSundarbans for their livelihood. The conflict between large carnivores and people is likely on

an area where both of them coexist and share the same resources. As a result of this,

Sundarbans suffers one of the severe most Tiger Human Conflict (THC), with the highestnumber of human killings by tiger on earth. Village Tiger Response Team (VTRT) is a groupof community people who are volunteering as safeguard for the tiger as well as the

communities around the Bangladesh Sundarbans and have the capacity to deal withimmediate THC needs inside the village incidents.

The main goal of the study was to review VTRT experiences for identifying improvementareas to develop a sustainable community based organization to support the tigerconservation activities in Sundarbans. There were two main parts of the study: census of

the VTRT members and survey with the community people. Both quantitative andqualitative techniques were used to conduct the study. A total of 294 VTRT members and400 community people were interviewed using structured questionnaire. In addition,different PRA techniques were applied to triangulate the study findings. Data collection for

the study was done during the last week of November, 2014. A total of 294 VTRT members

from Satkhira, Khulna, Chandpai and Sarankhola ranges were interviewed for the census.The survey was conducted at 34 points of 4 ranges. The average duration of work as VTRT

member was 48.8 months.

To assess the motivation level of VTRT members towards tiger conservation and voluntarism

were the two core objectives of the study. According to the survey findings, all of the VTRTmembers thought it is praiseworthy to serve for the THCM. This is because their work can

save tigers (86.7%), reduce THC (38.8%), aware people (33.3%), save Sundarbans(19.7%) as well as they can gain some social status (49.0%). Change in social status was

one of the motivating factors as the findings shows. Ninety per cent of the respondents said

that people started to respect them. An encouraging finding is community people alsostarted to call the VTRT members in their problem (61.4%) and invite them in socialgatherings (23.5%) which also indicates that the VTRT members are well accepted by the

community people.

Overall, knowledge on tiger and the Sundarbans were high among the VTRT members.

According to them the three mostly mentioned signs that indicate the presence of tiger werefresh footprint of tigers (96%), stink of tigers (56.5%) and animal screaming (49.7%).

However, two-fifth of the VTRT members knew night as the actual time of hunting (43.9%).

About 95% of the VTRT members thought that sound created by sticks, drum, tin etc. can

frighten the tiger followed by fire crackers (potka) (89.8%), blank fire (50%) and torch(moshal) (22.8%). For immediate control over people in THC situations, majority of the

respondents (92.9%) mentioned to request people for having patience and for the longterm control awareness raising (68.0%), building up a trust based relationship withcommunity (56.5%), building up good relationship with forest department and local

administration (37.4%) were considered as the most important techniques.

More than half of the VTRT (62.5%) reported to manage THC situations in recent times. A

large proportion of them (82.1%) frightened the tiger out of the village immediately after


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entering. Other contacted with the Forest department and local administration and waited,

announced on microphone and took help from local people and the percentages were

82.1%, 59.2%, 23.9% and 2.25 respectively.

Regarding the non-THC activities, around 95% of the respondents reported to be involvedwith such activities. Nearly three-fourth of the VTRT members were involved in rescuing

wildlife (71.8%), followed by attending awareness meeting (40.1%), providing crimeinformation (39.8%) and participating in campaign activity (26.5%).

VTRT members were known to the Wildlife Act and compensation policy. However, precise

level of knowledge about the Act and the compensation package for different type of

damages were found to be low during the study.

The acceptance of local community is crucial for the VTRT members to sustain as a

community based organization. In order to understand the acceptance level of VTRTmembers in their community a survey was also conducted with 400 respondents. Thesurvey showed a good response about VTRT as all of them have heard about the team and

their activities. Local people would like to see the VTRT members as more skilled in handling

THC situation (77.9%) and will be working with the Forest Department (32%). As there is

no women member in VTRT, opinion was taken from the community about it. Most of them(75%) wanted to see women working as VTRT member. In addition, 86.5% were found to

be willing to be involved with VTRT activities if opportunities are available.

One of the objectives of organizing VTRT was to develop the community level capacity to

manage THC and reduce the killing of tigers. Awareness about how to manage THC is to be

considered as the main capacity building indicator and the survey showed that people hadhigh level of knowledge about these issues. Most of the community people were found to beaware of the signs that indicate the presence of tigers. As for signs, fresh footprint of tigers

(92.8%) was mentioned most followed by stink of tigers (49.8%), and animal screaming(36.5%).

Awareness about the Wildlife act and compensation policy was moderate as 54% agreed tohave knowledge about it and around 43.5% stated that compensation can be claimed if anydamage occurs inside forest while having legal pass.

Regarding the sustainability of VTRT, more than half of the VTRT (62%) thought that VTRTwill sustain without WildTeam support. However, VTRT members need some support at thisstage including financial support (64.3%), training (47.3%), sustainable leadership

(35.7%), involving them in IGA (34.1%) and affiliation with Forest Department and local

administration (25.4%). Nine out of ten VTRT members stated that they would continuetheir activity without any support of WildTeam.

Study findings suggested that the VTRT members are highly motivated to work voluntarilyfor tiger conservation. Individually, they valued the social recognition they achieved. High

level of social acceptance of VTRT was also reflected while surveying the local communities.VTRT members high level of knowledge about the THC situations and the techniques they

followed to manage the THC situations in recent times proves that they are creating valuefor society and contributing towards the tiger and Sundarbans conservation. However, as

they said VTRT team need some immediate support to make it a stronger and sustainable

community based organization which includes adequate equipment to manage THCsituations, more financing, developing strong leadership skills among the members andinvolving the members in IGA activities.


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Table of Contents

1. Background ..................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Objective and purpose of the study .................................................................... 22. Methodology .................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Study area and population ................................................................................ 3

2.2 Study Approach ............................................................................................... 3

2.3 Source of Data ................................................................................................. 3

2.4 Quantitative Data Collection Technique ............................................................... 3

2.5 Qualitative Data Collection Technique ................................................................. 4

2.6 Qualitative Sample Distribution .......................................................................... 5

2.7 Tool Development ............................................................................................ 5

2.8 Recruitment, Training and Field Work ................................................................. 5

2.9 Survey Team Composition ................................................................................. 6

2.10 Quality Control Measures .................................................................................. 62.11 Quantitative Data Management .......................................................................... 7

2.12 Qualitative Data Processing ............................................................................... 7

2.13 Ethical Consideration ........................................................................................ 7

3. Findings ........................................................................................................... 9

3.1 Background Information .................................................................................... 9

3.2 Motivation level of VTRT members towards tiger conservation and voluntarism ........ 9

3.3 Knowledge level of VTRT members on tiger and the Sundarbans .......................... 14

3.4 Skills of VTRT members on managing human tiger conflict situation ..................... 16

3.5 Performances of VTRTs against tiger human conflict management and other social

activities ....................................................................................................... 18

3.6 Awareness of VTRT members on Wildlife Act and Compensation Policy .................. 21

3.7 Sustainability of VTRT ..................................................................................... 22

3.8 Survey with the community people ................................................................... 25

4. Conclusion ..................................................................................................... 32

Appendix:

A. Questionnaires


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1.Background

WildTeam, a conservation organization in Bangladesh working since 2003, is currentlyworking to conserve Bengal Tiger in the Sundarbans. The Sundarbans is the home to one of

the world's largest remaining tiger populations, estimated at 300-500 individuals.

Sundarbans is surrounded by 76 adjacent villages, which are separated from the forest bycontinuous river. Due to poorly developed socio-economic condition, Sundarbans is the only

source of livelihood for most of the dwellers. Over 1 million people are directly or indirectlydependent on the natural resources of the Sundarbans for their livelihood. People collect

resources like fish, golpata, honey, crab, shrimp fry, and fire wood from the Sundarbans.This dependency often turns into conflict. The conflict between large carnivores and people

is likely on an area where both of them coexist and share the same resources. As a result ofthis Sundarbans suffers one of the severe most Tiger Human Conflict (THC), with the

highest number of human killings by tiger on earth. THC can be categorized in two different

types: inside forest and inside village and the result of THC in Bangladesh is direct tigerloss, loss of human life and loss of livestock. On an average 40-50 people and 50-70

livestock are killed by tiger attack and 2-3 stray tigers are killed by the villagers every year.

However, it has been found that people killed while working illegally in the forest or those

who later die to injuries, tend not to be reported by their companions or by the authorities.As such the number of humans killed reported in official records is an underestimate of the

total number of incidents. (Barlow et al, 2013, p.35).

Many human populations and/or their livelihoods are at risk from carnivores, such astigers, which attack people, livestock and/or game species. Individuals of the species

perceived responsible for such incidents are often killed by members of affectedcommunities, a behavior of concern when the species is question is endangered. (InSkip etal, 2013, p.169). The same is very much present in the Sundarbans. Tiger human conflict is

one of the major threats to tiger conservation in Bangladesh. Killing of stray tiger is one ofthe results of inside village THC. This direct tiger loss ultimately creates impact on total tigerpopulation. On the other hand, the human loss and livestock killing reduce people's

tolerance level towards tiger. For this reason, it is believed that the THC cannot be stoppedbut holds the possibility to be reduced. For example- Stray tiger loss can be reversed byimproving attitudes of local villagers towards tigers, creation of tiger response teams, andmonitoring of problem tigers. It is assumed that lf the threat of stray tiger killing is reduced

or removed then the tiger population can recover through normal reproduction. Keeping thisin mind WildTeam took initiative to build such a team who will instantly response to anykind of THC incidents inside village and maintain role as primary manager. However, it isimpossible to achieve a sustainable management system unless the system is driven by the

locals.

Village Tiger Response Team (VTRT) is a group of community people who are volunteering

as safeguard for the tiger as well as the communities around the Bangladesh Sundarbans

and have the capacity to deal with immediate THC needs inside the village incidents. VTRT

is the epitome of integrity, passion, efforts, bravery of local heroes who stepped boldly tobring changes in their communities. They deal with tigers, work with local communities,

take the risks and lead the community to bring changes. The most unique approach of VTRTis that the teams are purely based on a volunteering concept. Engagement with localcommunity and participatory approach are the main techniques to run the teams. The

reasons behind their motivation are non-financial benefits like social recognition rather than

financial benefits. They represent their communities, driven by the community and getbenefits from the community. At first two teams were formed in Chandpai range in 2008.


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Currently there are 49 teams with 350 volunteers covering B0% of the border villages in 4

ranges. Each team is led by a leader and has 5-8 members.

Goal

To review VTRT experiences for identifying improvement areas to develop a sustainablecommunity based organization to support the tiger conservation activities in Sundarbans.

1.1 Objective and purpose of the study

1. To understand the motivation level of VTRT members towards tiger conservation.2. To understand the motivation level of VTRT members towards volunteerism.

3. To assess the skills of VTRT members on managing human tiger conflict situation.

4. To assess the knowledge level of VTRT members on Wildlife Act and Compensation Policy.5. To assess the knowledge level of VTRT members on tiger and the Sundarbans.

6. To understand the acceptance level of VTRTs to the community people.

7. To understand the ideas of VTRT members about their sustainability.

8. To assess the performances of VTRTs against tiger human conflict management andother social activities.


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2.Methodology

2.1 Study area and population

The study was conducted in the implementing areas with 294 volunteers of the border

villages from 4 ranges.

2.2 Study Approach

The study combined both qualitative and quantitative approach to get the information

from different types of respondents. A combination of sources of data was needed to be

utilized for the study.

The study data were collected from different stakeholders of the project through

Quantitative and Qualitative approach using questionnaire survey, focused group

discussion, participatory rapid appraisal and key informant interviews.

2.3 Source of Data

Source of Primary Data:

Respondents for collecting the primary data wwere the target population of the project

which is as follows:

VTRT Members

Community people FD

Union Parishad Chairman and members

Local NGO personnel

Sources of Secondary Data:

Sources of secondary data were the documents, policy papers, national surveys and reports

that have been produced in connection with the project thematic area. Review of internal

WildTeam documents related to this project including data was gathered.

2.4 Quantitative Data Collection Technique

Census Population

Census was conducted among 294 VTRT members, working voluntarily in the project areas.The target was to cover 350, but was not possible to cover due to unavailability of the VTRTmembers.


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VTRT Member Selection Procedure

All 4 ranges were covered by the survey. Survey were conducted in the project

implementing areas

It was assumed that a list of VTRT members from WildTeam was available to theproject team. The list was considered as the sampling frame for the survey.

All VTRT members were selected from the list for interview. Interviews were conducted in some randomly selected study points.

Sample size calculation for the survey with Community People

Considering the study was intended to have statistically significant set of results sample size

for the community survey had been calculated using the same formula and considering thepopulation size as unknown, the P value was taken as .50 which yielded maximum number

of sample in a particular geographical area (with e set at 5%, z at 1.96); the sample size

had been estimated for the community people as 384 which was rounded as 400 members.Among the 400 sample, 200 were male and 200 were female.

Table: Survey sample for the study

Type of Survey Sample Size

Community Survey (Male and Female) 400

Survey with the VTRT team members 294

2.5 Qualitative Data Collection Technique

For qualitative data the following techniques were used:

1. PRA

2. Key Informants Interview (KII)

3. Focus group discussion (FGD)

Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA)

The study followed PRA approach to understand the motivation level of the VTRT team

members towards tiger conservation and volunteerism. it also focused the sustainability

issue of the group members.In PRA, a number of different tools were used to gather and

analyse information. These tools encouraged participation, made it easier for people to

express their views and help to organize information in a way that makes it more useful and

more accessible to the group that was trying to analyze a given situation. To fulfill this

purpose, 3 PRA techniques were used in this study: FGD, Open ended dstories and

Motivation tree

Key Informant Interviews

KIIs were expected to provide important information that is not easily captured in statistics

or documents. Other important reason for selecting KIIs as one of the measures to collect


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qualitative data is that they rapidly aid to be acquainted with the study area and to acquire

in-depth information within relatively shorter time.

The KIIs were conducted with the selected respondents. The respondents for the KIIs were

the:

FD UP chairman and members

Project personnel

Local NGO Personnel

Focus group discussion

Focus group discussion was held with the community people in the study area. Theparticipants were selected according to their willingness to participate in the discussion.

2.6 Qualitative Sample Distribution

Techniques Respondents Sample size

PRA VTRT Members 4

KII

FD 2

UP chairman and members 2

Project personnel 2

Local NGO Personnel 2

Total KIIs 8

FGD Community people 4

2.7 Tool Development

Development of Research Instruments: All the study tools were designed considering

the issues to be covered. The tools were designed in English language and all the study

tools were finalized (in Bengali) in consultation with WildTeam. The core team of research

professional developed the tools. The draft questionnaires (for quantitative survey) and

discussion guidelines (for qualitative survey) were submitted to WildTeam and necessary

approval were taken before finalization.

Pre Testing and Finalization of Study Tools: In order to check the flow of questions,

consistency check, skip patterns, adding/dropping some questions or response options, Pre

testing of the questionnaire were done by core team of research professionals with a sample of

the study population in selected areas. Field testing observation was shared with WildTeam

and both the versions- English and Bengali -all the tools were refined and finalized based on

the results of the pre-testing.

2.8 Recruitment, Training and Field Work


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Recruitment of Field Staff:

The field manager in association with the field executives looked after the recruitment of

female and male interviewers and supervisors for quantitative survey. The recruitment were

made from the existing panel of supervisors and male and female interviewers. The

candidates having field experience in similar studies and in the study areas were recruited

as interviewers. The supervisors had prior work experience. Candidates having prior survey

experience were given preference.

For qualitative data collection, research associates along with assistance from supervisors

undertook qualitative survey in selected locations.

2.9 Survey Team Composition

For the quantitative survey, 20 field investigators (FI) and 4 field supervisors (FS) were

deployed to complete the survey in 9 days (2 days for travelling). For every 5 investigators,

1 supervisor was deployed. We deployed 4 teams to cover the entire sample in 1 field

manager was deployed to manage field work in four study areas.

In order to cover the qualitative calls, we proposed to deploy 2 PRA facilitators. Thus, the

qualitative team was able to complete the study in 9 days (2 days for travelling). To ensure

the quality of data and maintain the methodology of the study, the total data collection

process was monitored by the core research team and field coordinator.

Training of Field teams:

The training for the fieldwork was conducted for 4 days at Dhaka office. The training was

done as decentralized way.

2.10 Quality Control Measures

The continuous supervision during listing and data collection period provides consistent and

quality data. Supervision was carried out at all stages of survey, i.e. during data collection,

scrutiny and data entry. Spot checks and back checks were carried out by supervisors and

field executive.

Levels of Quality Control

All filled in questionnaires (100%) were scrutinized by Field Supervisors. Usually

30% of all completed interviews were randomly back-checked by the Field

Supervisors, Co-principle Investigator and research associate. Each higher level of

authority checked the work of all others below.


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2.11 Quantitative Data Management

The analyst for the present study mainly looked after the data processing and analysis. The

project coordinator and the team provided inputs at various stages of data processing and

analysis in consultation with WildTeam.

a) Office Editing/Coding: Though field editing was done in the field, office editing of all the

completed schedules were carried out by trained office editors as per the data entry

program, which includes coding of open ended questions, identification details and

consistency checks, before starting the data entry process.

b) Data Entry: Data entry was carried out under the supervision of Senior Operation

Executive and Core team members. A FoxPro package was used for entering the data

obtained from the field surveys. Further, it was converted to an SPSS file for analysis.

Computer based checks were done and based on the errors generated, inconsistencies were

removed and the base data were cleaned.

C) Data Analysis: The data analysis was carried out using SPSS as per the tabulation plan

finalized in consultation with WildTeam.

2.12Qualitative Data Processing

Qualitative Findings were analyzed after data collection following the process mentioned

below:

Get to know the data to identify the main issues

Identification of focused issues of analysis

Categorization of information without using numerical code

Indexing of the key analytical categories

2.13 Ethical Consideration

In order to protect the right of the respondents, prior to approaching them for the detailed

interview, their oral consent to participate in the interviews were obtained. They were

provided full and correct information regarding the purpose of the study, nature of

information required, benefits of the study, confidentiality to be maintained and freedom to

be exercised by the respondents during the interviews.

In order to facilitate proper understanding of the respondents the consent form/statement

were prepared in local languages using simple and clear statements. Further the interviewer

responded to questions if any asked by the respondents and provide necessary

clarifications.

Regarding confidentiality, the respondents were clearly told that the information they

provided during the interviews were kept strictly confidential. Only the interviewer and the


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researcher had access to the questionnaires and this information was destroyed on

completion of the study. The name and address of the respondents was not recorded

anywhere in the questionnaire. Furthermore, privacy during the interview process was

safeguarded. The interview was held under conditions wherein the respondents were most

comfortable in responding. Also their identity was not linked to the assessment and

anonymity was maintained if specified by the respondent.


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3.Findings

3.1 Background Information

A total of 294 VTRT members fromSatkkhira, Khulna, Chandpai and

Sarankhola ranges were interviewed for

the census. Percentages of VTRTmembers were same at all rangesexcept Khulna and the percentages were

21.8%, 21.8%, 21.8% and 34.4% in

Satkhira, Sarankhola, Chandpai and

Khulna respectively. The averageduration of work as VTRT member was

48.8 months that is around 2 years.However, most of the members were

found to be working for more than 48months with the project (48.3%). The

census was conducted at 34 points of 4

ranges (Table 3.1).

Table 3.1: Duration of working as VTRT member

Duration (Months) Percentage

Up to 12 months 3.7

13-24 months 28.925-36 months 12.9

37-48 months 6.1

More than 48 months 48.3

Average duration of working as VTRT member 48.8

N 294

3.2 Motivation level of VTRT members towards tiger conservation andvoluntarism

VTRT members are mainly working for the Tiger Human Conflict Management (THCM) of

Sundarban area. As they are working voluntarily for the community, its important to know

their understanding of their services as well as their motivational level to work as VTRT

member. Different questions were asked to the VTRT members such as the reasons of

providing such services, social and personal changes after becoming VTRT and their opinion

about various statements related to voluntarism.

21.8

34.4

22.1

21.8

Satkhira Khulna Chandpai Sarakhola

Figure 1: Distribution of VTRT members

across the four ranges

N=294


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All of the VTRT members thought that it was a

praiseworthy work to serve for the THCM. Reasons

behind such thinking were their work can save tigers

(86.7%), reduce THC (38.8%), aware people (33.3%),

save Sundarban (19.7%) as well as they can gain some

social status (49.0%).

Table 3.2: Reasons of feeling worthy to spend time for conserving tigers than anyother work

Responses Percentage

Do you think it is worth spending time conserving tigers rather than

working anywhere else?

Yes 100

N 294

Reasons*

For saving the tigers 86.7

For social status 49.0

To reduce THC 38.8

For awareness raising 33.3

To save Sundarban 19.7

It helps to keep the environment balanced 4.8

N 294.0

* Multiple responses possible

Change in social status was one of the

motivating factors as the findings shows.Table

3.3 shows that all of the VTRT members had

change in their social status after joining in the

VTRT team. Ninety per cent of the respondents

said that people started to respect them while

68.3% stated that people started to listen to

them in social issues. An encouraging finding is

community people also started to call the VTRT

members in their problem (61.4%) and invite

them in social gatherings (23.5%). There were

a few respondents (3.4%) who said that they got involved with some income generating

activities after becoming VTRT which also contributed to increase their income level.

The question about the VTRT members future expectation was asked to the respondents

(Table 3.3). A large proportion of respondents mentioned that they want to save Sundarban

(78.2%) as a VTRT member. Others said that their future expectations as VTRT member

were saving tigers (73.5%), followed by monetary support (62.9%), gaining social status

(34.0%) and getting jobs (22.1%).

Saving tiger saves

Sundarban. We should notkill tigers considering itshumanitarian aspect.

- FGD with VTRT,

Horinagar

Local people are getting some

special advantage from VTRTpeople. They inform the Forest

Department about illegal cuttingof timber. This crime has

decreased because of VTRTmembers.

- KII with UP Chairman,

Hayatkhali, Khulna


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Table 3.3: Changes after becoming a VTRT member and their expectation


Change in social status after joining VTRT

Yes 99.7

No 0.3Type of changes*

People started to respect me 90.1

People started to listen to me in social issues 68.3

Community people call me in their problem 61.4

I started to get invitations in social gatherings 23.5

My income increased as I got involved with an income generating

activities 3.4

Expectation as VTRT member*

Want to save Sundarban 78.2

Want to save tigers 73.5

Monetary support 62.9

Status 34.0

Job 22.1

Identity Card 18.4

Power 17.3

Want to mitigate the tiger human conflict 15.6

N 294


Understanding the motivation level of VTRT members towards tiger conservation and

voluntarism were the two core objectives of conducting the survey. In this regard,

respondents were asked about their motivational factors and how did they feel changes in

their life after becoming a VTRT which were discussed in previous tables. In this relation

interviewers also read out some statements and captured VTRTs opinion as well as their

level of agreement with the statement.

Table 3.4 revealed that VTRT members were highly motivated towards voluntarism and

tiger conservation. Almost all of them were fully agreed with the statements where the

percentages were - I have the opportunity to do what I like to do (88.4%), I work in

VTRT because there is good relationship among the team members( 99.3%), t is the

responsibility of the community members to try to save the tigers (99.7%), I like to work

for the betterment of the community (99.7), I like the community people to respect me as

I work for them (99.3%), All the Sundarban community members should work together to

save the tigers for their own betterment (99.7%), Tigers should not be harmed even if

there is THC (98.7%), Conserving the tiger would keep the balance of life in Sundarban.

(99.7%), and Tiger is the pride of Sundarban (99.7%).


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Table 3.4: Motivation level of the VTRT members towards voluntarism and tiger

conservation

Statements Fully agree (%)

I have the opportunity to do what I like to do 88.4

I work in VTRT because there is good relationship among the teammembers 99.3

It is the responsibility of the community members to try to save

the tigers 99.7

I like to work for the betterment of the community 99.7

I like the community people to respect me as I work for them 99.3

All the Sundarban community members should work together tosave the tigers for their own betterment. 99.7

Tigers should not be harmed even if there is THC. 98.7

Conserving the tiger would keep the balance of life in Sundarban. 99.7

Tiger is the pride of Sundarban 99.7

N 294


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Figure 2: Motivational factors for the VTRT members*

*Obtained from the motivation tree

Savingwildlife

Moralsupport

from locality

Socialrecognition

Can saveSundarban

Respect

from thecommunity


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3.3 Knowledge level of VTRT members on tiger and the Sundarbans

VTRTs were informed about tiger and Sundarban related issues through various meetings,

workshops and awareness programs. Thus to assess their level of knowledge at the moment

of survey they were asked on these issues. The three main signs that indicate the presenceof tiger fresh footprint of tigers, stink of tigers and animal screaming were known to

96.0%, 56.5% and 49.7% of the respondents respectively. More than four-fifth of the

respondents said that people can identify tigers border areas by seeing tiger scratch in

trees (85.7%), followed by tiger excreta (76.5%) and footstep (12.2%). Knowledge about

the lifespan of tiger is quite good among the VTRT members as theTable 3.5 indicates that

most of the respondents mentioned the span between 13-15 years (43.9%). However,

there were some misconceptions about it as a few respondents mentioned that the tiger

lives for more than 50 years (6.1%).

Table 3.5: Knowledge about the signs that indicates the presence of tiger, marksof border areas and life span of tigers


Knowledge about the signs that indicate the presence of tigers*

Fresh Footprint of Tigers 96.9

Stink of Tigers 56.5

Animal Screaming 49.7

Absence of dogs in the area 36.1

People working in forest alert the community 12.2

Roar of tigers 3.1

Marks that tigers use to identify their area borders*

Tiger Scratch in Trees 85.7

Tiger excreta 76.5

Footstep 12.2

Don't know 3.4

Knowledge about the life span of tiger

3 - 10 years 5.1

11 - 12 years 10.5

13 - 15 years 43.9

16 - 19 years 24.1

20 - 50 years 9.5

51 - 100 years 5.4

100 years+ 0.7

N 294.0



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In the survey, knowledge was assessed about the tiger related issues particularly about

their reproductive season, living places and hunting practices. More than half of the sample

said that winter in the reproductive season of tigers (57.5%). Regarding the places where

tigers usually make their den, 83.3% of the respondents said that it can make in places with

sufficient cover. In highlands and places near to any water body were also mentioned as the

living places by 40.8% and 17.7% respectively. Around two-fifth of the VTRT membersknows the actual time of hunting of tigers as 43.9% mentioned about night time (Table

3.6). Respondents were asked whether Sundarban can work as a natural wall, all of the

VTRT members agreed with that.

Table 3.6: Knowledge about the reproductive season, living place and hunting

practices of tiger


Reproductive season of the tigers

Winter 57.5

After the rainy season when winter comes 21.1Summer 17.7

Don't know/Can't Say 3.7

Places where tigers usually make their den*

With sufficient cover 83.3

In highlands 40.8

Near water source 17.7

Tigers don't make permanent den 10.5

In bushes 2.4

Small hill 1.4

Prey of tigers*Deer 99.3

Pig 96.6

Monkey 65.6

Fish 24.1

Cow 15.3

Crab 11.9

Buffalo 10.5

Goat 9.5

Fox 7.5

Time of huntingNight 43.9

When it gets hungry, time doesn't matter 31.0

Day 24.8


Hunts if it find anything on its way 0.3

During rain 0.3


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Opinion about Sundarban can work as a natural wall to save people from

calamities

Yes 100.0

N 294.0


3.4 Skills of VTRT members on managing human tiger conflict situation

WildTeam facilitated the Village Tiger Response Team with required capacities and

techniques to handle the THC situation in Sundarban areas. In this response the survey

attempted to understand their knowledge about how the Tiger Human Conflict situation can

be managed. At first respondents were asked whether they or their family members had

any encounter with tiger. In response to that 84.4% of them answered affirmatively.

Table 3.7: Percentage of VTRT members or their family who had an encounter withtiger


Respondent or their family member had any encounter with tiger

Yes 84.4

No 15.6

The VTRT team is mainly responsible for THC management inside the village (WildTeam,

2013). However, to assess the knowledge of VTRT members about the type of THC situation

that could happen in Sundarban context question was asked to them. Figure 3 shows thatthe VTRT members were not well aware about all 4 types of situations. About eighty per

cent of the respondents mentioned that tigers can come and return after damaging

livestock. According to the 76.9% of the VTRT members, tiger came into the village and canbe surrounded by the people.


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Figure 3: Types of THC scenarios may happen inside the village (%)*

*Multiple responses possible

Figure 4 presents VTRTs awareness on the measures to frighten the tigers. As per the

95.2% of the VTRT members sound created by sticks, drum, tin etc. can frighten the tiger

followed by fire crackers (potka) (89.8%), blank fire (50%) and torch (moshal) (22.8%).

Figure 4: Measures that can be taken to frighten the tiger (%)*


Table 3.8 shows the level of knowledge of VTRT members about establishing immediate and

long term control over the people in THC situations. Majority of the respondents (92.9%)

mentioned to request people for having patience while creating a safety zone, inspiring

8176.9

23.8

15.6

Tiger came and

returned after

damaging livestock

Tiger came into the

village and was

surrounded by people

Tigers roaring on the

other side of river

Tiger came into the

village and returned

without any damage

95.2 89.8

50

22.8

Sound created

from sticks, drum,

tin etc

Fire crackers

(Potka)

Blank Fire Torch (Moshal)

or Fire

N=294

N=294


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people for having self-confidence, trying to send the tiger in jungle were stated as the

techniques by 67.7%, 37.1% and 2.0% of the sample respectively.

On the other hand to establish long term control over people, awareness raising (68.0%),

building up a trust based relationship with community (56.5%), building up goodrelationship with forest department and local administration (37.4%), teaching the

community about what to do in emergencies (31.3%), inspire the community to save tigersthrough religious institutions (16%) and speech of influential people (1.4%) were

mentioned.

Table 3.8: Knowledge about establishing immediate and long term controlover people


Things can be done to establish control over people immediately when thetigers come into the village*

Request them to have patience 92.9

Creating a safety zone 67.7

Inspire them to have self- confidence 37.1

Try to send the tiger to jungle 2.0

With the help from administration 1.4

Things can be done to establish long term control over people regardingTHC situations*

Awareness raising 68.0

Building up a trust based relationship with community 56.5

Building up good relationship with forest department and local

administration 37.4

Teaching the community about what to do in emergencies 31.3

Inspire the community to save tigers through religious institutions 16.0

By speech from influential people 1.4

N 294


3.5 Performances of VTRTs against tiger human conflict management andother social activities

More than half of the respondents

(62.5%) reported to manage any tiger

human conflict situation (Table 3.9).

Among them 89.1% managed such

conflicts for up to 5 times and most of

the situations were taken place in a

year back (52.7%). Further,

respondents were asked about what

they did when tiger came to the

village. A large proportion of VTRT

In 2011, tiger entered into the village of

Baidyamari, Chandpai. The tiger caught a

goat and killed it. Then the owner of thegoat and community people wanted to kill

the tiger. VTRT members convinced them tonot to kill the tiger and finally managed the

tiger to send back to the forest. Later, theowner of the goat also received thecompensation under the Wildlife Act.


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members (82.1%), who managed the situations, frightened the tiger out of the village

immediately after entering into the village. Other contacted with the Forest department and

local administration and waited, announced on microphone and took help from local people

and the percentages were 82.1%, 59.2%, 23.9% and 2.25 respectively.

Table 3.9: Knowledge about establishing immediate and long term control over

people


Ever managed any tiger human conflict situation

Yes 62.5

No 37.4

N 294.0

Number of conflicts managed

Up to 5 times 89.1

6-12 times 6.0

13-24 times 4.9Avg. times managed after becoming a VTRT member (in number) 3.3

N (those who managed any THC) 184.0

Time of last managed situation

1 Year back 52.7

2 Years back 33.2

3 Years back 8.2

4 or more years back 5.9

Avg. months (in months) 17.4

N 184

What did you do when tiger came to the village?*

Frighten it out of the village immediately 82.1

Contacted with the forest department and waited for them 59.2

Contacted with the local administration and waited for them 23.9

Informed people by announcing it on microphone 2.2

Took help from the locals 1.6

Informed tiger team 1.6

Tranquilized the tiger and send it to jungle 1.6

Informed other VTRT members 1.6

N 184

Frequency of patrolling the community per month

Up to 5 times 47.3

6-10 times 23.5

11-15 times 11.2

16-20 times 5.4

21-25 times 0.7

26-30 times 4.4


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Do not patrol 7.5

Average times usually patrol the community per month 8.5

N 294


VTRT members were established to manage the THC

situations in a participatory way. Over the time, thisteam has been playing a role of social perception

driver and community safeguard. It was alsoreflected during the census as around 95% of the

respondents reported to be involved with non-THC

activities. Nearly three-fourth of the VTRT memberswere involved in rescuing wildlife (71.8%), followed

by attending awareness meeting (40.1%), providingcrime information (39.8%) and participating

campaign activity (26.5%).

Figure 5: Participation of VTRT members in other social activities*


5.1

25.2

33.3

37.8

38.1

71.8

Did not participate in any

social activity

Participated in campaign

activity

Conducted awareness

meeting

Provided crime information

Attended awareness meeting

Rescued wildlife

N=294

We are involved with

various social work suchas social forestry,

cooperative societies, One

House One Farm project.- FGD with VTRTmembers, Harinagar


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3.6 Awareness of VTRT members on Wildlife Act and Compensation Policy

The Wildlife (protection and safety) Act 2012 is providing protection against the wildlife of

Bangladesh. Almost all of the VTRT members reported to be aware about the compensation

policy of the Act. When they were further asked about the cases where the compensation

can be claimed, 95.2% of the respondents said about the damages inside forest while

having legal pass. According to the 85.4% of the respondents compensation application

form can be obtained from the forest camp/station/range office while Upazila office was

mentioned by half of the respondents.

Table 3.10: Awareness of VTRT members about the wildlife compensation policy

and claimant issues

Responses Percentages

Whether there is any compensation for damages caused by tigers andcrocodile

Yes 98.3

No 1.7

Cases when the compensation can be claimed*

Damages inside forest while having legal pass 95.2

Damages inside village caused by tigers or alligators 68.7

If domestic animals are harmed 0.3

If someone goes to jungle and gets attacked 0.3


Places of collecting compensation application form*

Forest Camp/Station/Range Office 85.4

Upazila Office 50.7

From UP chairman 9.2

From Tiger team 6.5

From VTRT office 3.1

From WildTeam 2.0


N 294


Awareness about the compensation package was assessed among the VTRT members. VTRT

members were found to be moderately knowledgeable about it. The largest proportion ofthe respondents (81.3%) reported the compensation for human death as between

BDT.50001-100000.


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Table 3.11: Awareness about the compensation policy among the VTRT members

Responses Percentages

Compensation if human death according to the Bangladesh Wildlife

compensation policyUp to BDT.20000 0.7

BDT.20001-50000 7.8

BDT.50001-100000 81.3

BDT.100001-500000 2.0


N 294

Compensation if human injury according to the Bangladesh Wildlifecompensation policy

1001-5000 1.4

5001-10000 1.7

10001-30000 15.3

30001-50000 69.4

5000 and above 1.4


Compensation for damaging livestock/crops according to the

Bangladesh Wildlife compensation policy

1001-5000 4.8

5001-10000 5.4

10001-30000 66.0

30001-50000 2.4


N 294

3.7 Sustainability of VTRTRegarding sustainability issue, more than half of the respondents (62%) thought that VTRT

will sustain without WildTeam support.

Figure 6: Do you think VTRTs will sustain without WildTeam support?

Yes

62%

No

38%

N=294


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However, VTRT members suggested for some supports for the team to sustain in future

including financial support (64.3%), training (47.3%), sustainable leadership (35.7%),

involving them in IGA (34.1%), affiliation with Forest Department and local administration(25.4%) and so on. Figure 7 also shows that adequate equipment (6.6%) and ID card

(2.7%) would be needed for the team to continue their activities in future.

Figure 7: Types of supports are needed to continue the VTRT service withoutWildTeam

During the key informant interview with one of the project personnel opined that involving

interested VTRT members in handicrafts such making products with Golpata can be a good

idea.

Nine out of ten VTRT members stated that they would continue their activity without any

support of WildTeam. Saving tigers (87.8%), social recognition (55.5%), reducing damages

caused from THC (46%) and saving Sundarban (24.3%) were the prime reasons of

continuing their activities in future. On the contrary, out of 31 VTRTs who thought of not

continuing their activities mentioned that it would be tough to work without fund (80.6%)

64.3

47.3

35.7 34.1

25.8

6.62.7

Need financialsupport

Need moretraining

Need to buildsustainable

leadership

Involving VTRTmembers in

IGA to make

them

financially

solvent

Need to beaffiliated with

the FD & local

administration

Adequateequipment

Need ID card

N=182


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and managing the teams will not be possible (74.2%). According to 45.2% of them

community people will not also support without affiliation with WildTeam.

Table 3.12: Opinion about continuing to work as VTRT member if WildTeam does

not support them

Responses PercentageWhether the VTRT members would continue their work if the WildTeam

does not support VTRT in future

Yes 89.5

No 10.5

N 294

If yes, why would you continue to work as VTRT in future?*

For saving the tigers 87.8

For social recognition 55.5

To reduce damages caused from THC 46.0

To save sundarban 24.3For country 2.7

To work for the betterment of the country 1.5

To save national asset 1.1

N (respondents who will continue to work as VTRT) 263.0

If no, why would not you continue to work as VTRT in future?*

It will be tough to work without fund 80.6

Managing the teams will not be possible 74.2

Community people will not support us without affiliation withWildTeam 45.2

There will be no leadership 3.2

N (respondents who will not continue to work as VTRT) 31.0


VTRT members stated about some problems or issues they were facing while working in thecommunity. The most pronounced issue was lack of equipment (75.2%). Slightly more than

one-third of the VTRT members said that village people did not listen to them which

indicates the lacking in leadership quality followed by less number of member (23.8%) andfinancial problems (4..8%).


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Figure 8: Problems facing while working as VTRT*


3.8 Survey with the community people

Social Acceptance of VTRT members

VTRT or Village Tiger Response Team is

Bangladeshs first public initiative for

protecting Sundarban and tigers. Throughthe survey it was attempted to find out

how much the team is accepted in the

community. According to the findingsbelow majority (91.5%) of the communitypeople know about VTRT. Information

about VTRT was mostly received from the

neighbors (70.5%) and from a VTRTmember (53.3%). Around 86%respondents stated that they know a

member of VTRT and around 77% had

knowledge about their work. Good thing is,almost all the respondents agreed that the

team should continue their activities.

4.8

10.9

23.8

34.7

75.2

Financial problems

DK/CS

More members are needed in each team

Village people do not listen to us

We are not equipped enough

So far I know, VTRT members aware

people about how to save tigers and

manage tiger human conflict. They alsosaid that tiger is our national asset and

saving tigers is the responsibility of us.VTRT has made it clear to us that saving

tiger is the key to save Sundarban onwhich we all are dependent.

- Nesar Ali, Badyamari Union (FGD with

community people)


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Table 3.13: Knowledge about VTRT


Heard about VTRT or Tiger Team

Yes 91.5

No 8.5Total (N) 400

Sources*

From family members 29

From the neighbors 70.5

From a VTRT member 53.3

From forest department 1.1

From local administration 1.4

If knows any member of VTRT

Yes 86.3

No 13.7Knowledge about their work

Yes 77

No 23

Total (N) 366

Do you want VTRT to continue their activities?

Yes 99.6

No 0.4

Total (N) 282


In order to continue VTRTs activities, respondents were asked to tell how they want to seethe team in future. The highest response was to see the team being more skilled in handling

tiger human conflict situations (77.9%) followed by working with Forest Department (32%).A few others also mentioned that they want to see VTRT as government registeredorganization (10.7%) and in better position (10.7%).

Table3.14: VTRT in future

Responses* Percentage

More skilled in handling THC situations 77.9

Working with FD 32

As government registered organization 10.7In better position 10.7

Autonomous self-driven organization 5.7

VTRT team will continue their current activities 3.2

Working for the betterment of country and society 1.8

VTRT team will get their honorarium on monthly basis 1.4

Need to be more honest in future 1.4


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Team with increased manpower 1.1

Total (N) 281


The respondents were further asked if there are other activities that VTRT can do. Around57.4% responded that the team should patrol crime in or outside the forests and 51% saidthey can arrange campaign for awareness raising. About 32.3% and 37.9% stated that

VTRT can train community people about tiger human conflicts and resolve local problems

respectively.

Table 3.15: Other activities that VTRT can do


Resolve local problems 37.9

Patrol crime in or outside forests 57.4

Train community about THC 32.3

Encouraging community people to follow wildlife act 10.3

Teach community people about the compensation procedure 22

Arranging campaign for awareness raising 51.1

They can work for developing the roads 0.7

Encouraging people to not to kill birds and other animals 0.4

Planting trees 0.7

Looking after the safety of Sundarban 0.4Total (N) 282


It was checked if the community people are willing to be a part of VTRT activities. Thefindings are quite satisfactory, as more than 75% respondents said that they want to seewomen working as VTRT member. In addition, 86.5% were found to be willing to be

involved with VTRT activities if opportunities are available. Moreover, majority (91.5%) ofthe respondents are even willing to let their children to be involved with VTRT activities.After all almost all of the respondents think VTRTs work benefits the society.


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Table 3.16: Willingness to be involved in VTRT activities


Women working as VTRT member

Yes 75.5

No 24.5If opportunities are available will you be involved with VTRT activities?

[Ref Q109]

Yes 86.5

No 10.6

May be 2.8

If opportunities are available will you let your children to be involvedwith VTRT activities? [Ref Q110]

Yes 91.5

No 5.7

May be 2.8

Do you think that their work benefits the society? [Ref Q111]

Yes 99.6

No 0.4

Total (N) 282

Knowledge level of community members on tiger and the Sundarbans

Besides social acceptance of VTRT, it was seen how much knowledge community membershold about tiger and the Sundarbans. As such they were asked if they can name the signsthat indicate the presence of tigers. According to the figure below, it can be seen that most

of the respondents have proper knowledge about the signs that indicate the presence oftigers. As for signs, fresh footprint of tigers (92.8%) was mentioned most followed by stinkof tigers (49.8%), and animal screaming (36.5%).

Figure 9: Signs that indicate the presence of tigers*


2

2.3

10.5

25.3

36.5

49.8

92.8

Roar of tiger

Don't know

People working in forest alert the

community

Absence of dogs in the area

Animal Screaming

Stink of Tigers

Fresh Footprint of Tigers

N: 400


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It was asked to the respondents if they how many years a tiger lives. A tiger usually lives

for 14 years. Based on the responses given by the community members, it is obvious thatthey do not have proper knowledge about a tigers lifespan. Only 5% mentioned that a tiger

lives for 13-15 years.

Table 3.17: Knowledge about tigers lifespan


Up to 2 years 0.3

5 - 6 years 0.5

7 - 8 years 0.3

9 - 10 years 2.8

11 - 12 years 2.8

13 - 15 years 5

16 - 19 years 2.8

20 - 50 years 25.8

51 - 100 years 18

100 years+ 3.8

Dont know 38.3

Total (N) 247

The figure below shows that almost all the surveyed community members think Sundarban

can work as a natural wall to save people from natural calamities.

Figure 10: If Sundarban can work as a natural wall to save people from calamities

99.5

0.30.3

Yes

No

DK/CS


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Knowledge level of community members on Wildlife Act and Compensation

When asked about compensation for damages caused by tigers and crocodile, around 54%

agreed to have knowledge about it and the rest 45% did not. Around 43.5% stated that

compensation can be claimed if any damage occurs inside forest while having legal pass andanother 40% said that tigers or alligator attacks inside village then also claiming

compensation is possible.

Table 3.18: Knowledge about compensation for damages caused by tigers andcrocodile


Knowledge about any compensation for damages caused bytigers and crocodile

Yes 54.5

No 45.5

The cases when compensation can be claimed*

Damages inside forest while having legal pass 43.5

Damages inside village caused by tigers or alligators 40.5

Attacked in forest 0.3


Total (N) 400


The respondents were further inquired about compensation for various damages.

Unfortunately, it was found that most of the respondents are not aware about the amountof compensations according to Bangladesh Wildlife compensation policy which can be

claimed for different damages like human death, injury and livestock or crops damage.

Table 3.19: Knowledge about compensation for various damages


Knowledge about compensation for human death according to

the Bangladesh Wildlife compensation policy

Upto BDT.20000 3.8

BDT.20001-50000 11.3

BDT.50001-100000 15

BDT.100001-500000 2

BDT.500001-1000000 0.5


Total (N) 130

Knowledge about compensation for human injury according tothe Bangladesh Wildlife compensation policy

501-1000 0.3

1001-5000 1.3


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5001-10000 1

10001-30000 7.8

30001-50000 9.3

50001-100000 2.3

100001-200000 1

200001-300000 0.3

Don't know/Can't Say 77

Total (N) 92

Knowledge about compensation for human injury according to

the Bangladesh Wildlife compensation for livestock/cropsdamage

501-1000 0.5

1001-5000 1.3

5001-10000 4.5

10001-30000 9.330001-50000 1.3

100001-200000 0.3

Don't know/Can't Say 83

Total (N) 68


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4.Conclusion

Village Tiger Response Team (VTRT) locally known as the Tiger Team is working voluntarily

to save the tigers as well as the Sundarban. The team was established mainly to develop a

sustainable community based organization to support and participate in the tigerconservation activities of Bangladesh. As the team is working voluntarily, it is important toknow the motivation level of the VTRT members towards tiger conservation and

voluntarism. In order to assess the motivation level of VTRT members towards tigerconservation, volunteerism, the skills of VTRT members on managing human tiger conflict

situation, knowledge level of VTRT members on Wildlife Act and Compensation Policy,

knowledge level of VTRT members on tiger and the Sundarbans, understand the acceptancelevel of VTRTs to the community people, understand the ideas of VTRT members about theirsustainability and assess the performances of VTRTs against tiger human conflict

management and other social activities a census with the VTRT members and a survey wasconducted among the community people During the last week of November, 2014.

Different questions were asked to the VTRT members such as the reasons of providing such

services, social and personal changes after becoming VTRT and their opinion about variousstatements related to voluntarism. VTRT members were found to be extremely motivatedtowards tiger conservation. The social recognition for such activities played a vital role for

working as VTRT. All of them shared that their social status has changed after becoming theVTRT. Overall, the knowledge level of VTRTs on various tiger and Sundarban related issuesare satisfactory. However, there is a scope to improve their knowledge level as VTRT

members still have some confusion about the accurate information and misconception in

some cases. Quantitative and qualitative findings suggested that VTRT has become a veryskilled force to manage the THC situation in the four ranges. Still, VTRT members and otherstakeholders including the community people, local FD and UP Chairman and project

personnel mentioned about adequate equipment to manage the THCs more efficiently.

In general, community people were aware about the VTRT. They would like to see the VTRT

as more skilled and part of Forest Department. According to the community people and

other stakeholders of the project, an effective alignment with the Forest Department wouldbe the best way to sustain VTRTs activities.

Most of the community people were known to the ways of THC management which is alsothe reflection of VTRT activities. VTRT is now well accepted in the community as the localpeople invite them in social gatherings and share their personal problems. The study

findings suggested that the VTRTs were involved with Non-THC services.

Considering the high level of motivation at individual level, social acceptability and regular

strong monitoring activities it can be said that VTRT has potentiality of becoming a

community based organization in future. However, advocacy with the Government to align

them with the local FD, providing more training and providing adequate equipment andinvolving them in some sort of IGA could play a significant role to get a sustainable shape ofthis group.


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Appendix A: Survey Questionnaires


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Informed Consent

Hello, my name is ......................., I come from Nielsen Bangladesh. At present we are conducting astudy called Survey to Assess the VTRT Knowledge, Performance, Motivation, Capacity and

Their Social Acceptance to the Community. You have been selected as one of the respondentsfor the study as a member of VTRT. Your opinion is valuable to us. Information provided byyou will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used for research purpose. It is absolutelyyour discretion whether you will agree or not to be interviewed. This is not a test and there isno right or wrong answer. You can also refuse to answer any or all the questions. - Thank youin advance for your cooperation. Do you want to know anything else about this study? Can westart the interview now?

mvjvg/Av`ve, Avwg..................| GmwQ wbjmb evsjv`k _K| wfwUAviwU-i m`mìvb, Kvhg, Drmvn, `Zv Ges Zvì mvgvwRK MnbhvMZv welq KvhgcwiPvjbv KiwQ| cKi Dci Avgiv GKwU MelYvi KvR KiwQ| Avcwb GB MelYviRb GKRb Di`vZv wnmve wbevwPZ nqQb| Avcbvi gZvgZ Avgvì RbLyeB iZc~Y| Avgiv gvbyli cqvRb I Zvì `wfw eySZ Pv Kwi hvZ

Ki fvj gvb wbwZKiY eRvq ivLZ cvwi| Avcbvi c` Z_jv mc~Y MvcbivLv ne Ges aygv MelYvi KvR eenvi Kiv ne| GB mvvrKvi Avcbvi AskMnYmc~YB ^Qvaxb| GwU Kvb cixv bq Ges GLvb Dii ga fzj ev mwVK ej wKQz bB|

Avcwb PvBj h Kvb GKwU A_ev Kvb cki Di bvI w`Z cvib| AvcbvimnhvwMZvi Rb AMxg abev`| Avcwb wK GB MelYv mK Avi wKQzRvbZ Pvb? Zvnj wK Avwg mvvrKvi i KiZ cvwi?

Agreed to participateAskMnY BQzK......................1Refused to participateAskMnb KiZ BQzK bB...................2 (Stop)

A. Background information ewMZ Z_

No. Questions Answers Code Skip

101. How long have you been working asVTRT member?Avcwb KZw`b hveZGKRb wfwUAviwU m`m wnmveKgiZ AvQb?

..months

..............................gvm

102. Survey Area Identification RwicGjvKvName bvgPhone No. dvb bsRange iUpazila DcRjvUnion BDwbqbSurvey Points Rwic cqUTeam name wUgi bvg

B. knowledge level of VTRT members on tiger and the Sundarbans evN I myìebmK wfwUAviwU m`mì vbi i


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103. Can you please name the signs thatindicate the presence of tigers?[Multiple response possible]

Avcwb wK ejeb wK wK wP `LevNi DcwwZ evSv hvq?

[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Stink of Tigers evNi`yM

01

Fresh Footprint of Tigers

cvqi wP `L 02

Animal Screaming

cìwPrKvi 03

Absence of dogs in the

area

GjvKv _K me KzKzicvwjq hvIqv

04

People working in forestalert the community

Rj hviv KvR KiZvì KvQ _K evNiDcwwZ mcK Lei

cvIqv

05

Dont know Rvwb bv 99Others (Specify)

Abvb (DjLKib)...............

104. What are the marks tigers use toidentify their area borders?[Multiple response possible]

evNì GjvKvi mxgvbv wPwZ KiviDcvq wK?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Tiger excreta evNi gj 01Tiger Scratch in Trees

MvQ evNi AvPoi`vM

02

Dont knowRvwb bv 99Others (Specify)..

Abvb (DjL

Kib)...............105. When do the tigers take rest? evNiv

KLb wekvg bq?Day w`b 1

Night ivZ 2Don't know/Can't Say

Rvwb bv/ejZ cvwi bv 9

106. How many years usually a tiger lives?mvaviYZ GKwU evN KZeQi euP

_vK?

.. Years eQiDon't know/Can't Say

Rvwb bv/ejZ cvwi bv 99

107. Which is the reproduction season ofthe tigers? evNì cRbbKvj KLb?

Summer Mx 1Winter kxZ 2

After the rainy seasonwhen winter comes

elvi kl kxZi iZ3

Don't know/Can't SayRvwb bv/ejZ cvwi bv 9

108. Where do usually tigers make theirden?[Multiple response possible]

evNiv mvavibZ Kv_vq Avvbv

With sufficient cover

chv QvqvNivb 01

Near water source

Rjvkqi wbKU 02


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Zix Ki?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Tigers dont makepermanent den

evNi Kvb vqxAvvbv _vK bv

03


Others (Specify)Abvb(DjL Kib)...............

109. Which animals are the main preys fortigers?[Multiple response possible]

evNiv g~jZ Kvb cì wkKvi Ki_vK?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Deer nwiY 01Pig Ki 02

Monkey evbi 03Others (Specify)Abvb(DjL Kib)...............


110. When do the tigers usually go forhunting? evNiv mvavibZ Kvb mgqwkKvi Ki _vK?

Day w`b 01Night ivZ 02When it gets hungry,

time doesnt matter

zav jvMj wkKvi Ki,w`b nvK Avi ivZ nvK

03



111. Do you think that Sundarban can workas a natural wall to save you from

calamities?Avcwb wK gb Kibmyìeb Avcbvì `~hvM _K iviRb cKwZK fve m GKwUebx?

Yes nvu 1

No bv 2Don't know/Can't SayRvwb bv/ejZ cvwi

bv9

C. Skills of VTRT members on managing human tiger conflict situation evN Igvbyli msNvZ eevcbvq wfwUAviwU m`mì `Zv|


112. Did you or your family memberhave any encounter with tiger?

Avcwb ev Avcbvi cwieviiKD wK KLbI evNi mywLbnqwQjb?

Yes nvu 1

No bv2

113. Should you work alone inSundarban? myìeb wK GKvKvR Kiv DwPZ?

Yes nvu 1No bv 2

Don't know/Can't SayRvwbbv/ejZ cvwi bv

9


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114. What types of THC scenarioscan happen inside the village?[Multiple response possible]

Mvgi wfZi evN I gvbyliga wK aibi msNvZ nq

_vK?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Tigers roaring on the other side of

river evNiv b`xi Abw`K _KMRb Ki

01

Tiger came into the village andreturned without any damage

evNiv Mvg Avm Ges KvbwZ bv KiB Pj hvq

02

Tiger came and returned after

damaging livestock evNivMvg Avm Ges c nZv Ki

Pj hvq

03

Tiger came into the village and

was surrounded by people evNivMvgi wfZi cek Kij jvKiv

wNi ai

04

Others (Specify).Abvb

(DjL Kib)...............115. What measures can be taken to

frighten the tiger?[Multiple response possible]

evNK wKfve fq `LvbvhZ cvi?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Blank Fire duvKv wj 01Torch (Moshal) or Fire UP (gkvj)

A_ev Avb02

Sound created from sticks, drum,

tin etc. Wvg ev wUb jvwVw`q AvNvZ Ki k Zix Ki

03

Fire crackers (Potka) cUKv 04Others (Specify).Abvb

(DjL Kib)...............116. What can be done to establish

control over peopleimmediately when the tigers

come into the village?

[Multiple response possible]

wKfve fxo wbqY Kiv hZcvi hLb evN Mvgi wfZi Pj

Avm?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Request them to have patience

Zvì ah aivi Rb Abyiva Kiv 01Inspire them to have self-

confidence Zvì AvZwekvmmq Kivi Rb DrmvwnZ Kiv

02

Creating a safety zone wbivc` vbZix Kiv

03

Others (Specify).Abvb(DjL Kib)...............

117. What can be done to establishlong term control over people

regarding THC situations?

[Multiple response possible]Mvg evN pyK covi welqmgvRi jvKì Dci `xNvqxwbqY cwZv KiZ wK KivhZ cvi?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Building up a trust basedrelationship with community

mgvRi jvKi wfZi wbRì

cwZ wekvm Mo Zvjv

01

Building up good relationship with

forest department and local

administrationeb Awaìi mv_vbxq ckvmbi mymK Mo

Zvjv

02

Awareness raising mPZbZv ewKiv

03


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Teaching the community about

what to do in emergencies Riixmgq KiYxq welq mgvRi jvKì

cwkY `qv

04

Inspire the community to savetigers through religious institutions

agxq cwZvbi gvag evNivq jvKRbK Dy Kiv

05


D. Performances of VTRTs against tiger human conflict management and other

social activities wfwUAviwU-i m`mì evN I gvbyli msNvZ eevcbv I AbvbmvgvwRK KgKv KwZZ|


118. Have you ever managed any tiger

human conflict situation?Avcwb wKKLbI gvbyl I evNi msNvZgvKvejv KiQb?

Yes nvu 1 119

No bv 2 122

119. How many conflicts did you manageafter becoming a VTRT member?

wfwUAviwU m`m wnmveAskMnYi ci Avcwb KZjv msNvZgvKvejv KiQb?

None GKeviI bq88

.numbers

............ jv

120. When did you last manage suchsituation? kl Ke Avcwb GgbcwiwwZi gvKvejv KiQb?

months back

........................... gvmAvM

121. What did you do when tiger came tothe village?[Multiple response possible]

hLb evN Mvg cek Ki ZLbAvcwb wK KiwQjb?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Frighten it out of thevillage immediately fq

`wLq Mvg _K `Zei Ki w`qwQ

01

Contacted with the forestdepartment and waited for

them eb wefvMi mv_hvMvhvM KiwQjvg

Ges Zvì Rb AcvKiwQjvg

02

Contacted with the local

administration and waited

for themvbxq ckvmbimv_ hvMvhvM

KiwQjvg Ges AcvKiwQjvg

03

Others (specify)..Abvb (DjL

Kib)...............


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122. How many times do you usually patrolthe community per month? mvaviYZcwZ gvm Avcbviv KZw`b cvnviv`b?

.......................... Times.....................................

evi

123. How many times did you have topatrol the community after being

notified the presence of tiger in last12 months?

evNi DcwwZ Ui cq MZ 12gvm Avcbv`i KZevi cvnviv w`ZnqQ?

.......................... Times.....................................

evi

124. Were you involved with any socialactivities in the last 12 months as a

VTRT member? wfwUAviwUi m`mwnme Avcwb wK Kvb aibimvgvwRK (gvbylK mPZb Kivi Rb/

ebcvYx msiYi Rb) KvhgAskMnY KiQb wK bv?

Yes nvu 1 125

No bv 2 126

125. What kind of social activity have youdone in last 12 months as a VTRT

member? wfwUAviwUi m`m wnmeMZ 12 gvm Avcwb wK aibimvgvwRK Kvhg AskMnYKiQb?

Crime informationAcivawelq Z_ c`vb

01

Conducting awareness

meeting mPZbZv g~jKAvjvPbv cwiPvjbv Kiv

02

Attained awareness

meeting mPZbZv g~jKAvjvPbvq AskMnY Kiv

03

Participating campaign

activity cPviYv g~jKKgKv AskMnY

04

Rescue wildlife ebcvYxDvi

05

Others (specify).............Abvb (DjL

Kib)...............

E. Motivation level of VTRT members towards tiger conservation and volunteerismevN msiY I ^Qvkg wfwUAviwU m`m`i Abycibvi gvv |


126. Do you think it is worth spendingtime conserving tigers rather than

working anywhere else?Avcwb wKgb KibAb Kvb KvR KiviPvBZ evN msiY Kivi Rb mgq`qvUv hywhy?

Yes nvu 1

No bv 2

127. Can you please explain the reason?[Multiple response possible]

For social status mvgvwRKAevbi Rb

01


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Avcwb `qv Ki Gi KviY evLvKieb?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

For saving the tigers evNìeuvPvbvi Rb

02

To reduce THC evN I gvbylimsNvZ Kgvbvi Rb

03

For awareness raisingmPZbZv ewi Rb 04

Others (specify)Abvb(DjL Kib)...............

128. If opportunities are available willyou let your children to be involved

with VTRT activities? hw` myhvM_vK Ze Avcwb wK AvcbvimvbK wfwUAviwU-i `jiKvhg AskMnY KiZ wèb?

Yes nvu 1No bv 2

May benZ cvi 3

129. Do you think your work benefits thesociety?Avcwb wK gb Kib

Avcbvi KvR mgvRi DcKviAvm?

Yes nvu 1

No bv 2

130. Do you feel any change in yoursocial status after joining VTRT?

Avcwb wK wfwUAviwU-ZAskMnYi ci Avcbvi mvgvwRKAevi Kvb cwieZb nqQ?

Yes nvu 1 131

No bv 2

132

131. If yes, what kind of change do youfeel?


nvu nj, wK aibi cwieZb Avcwb

Abyfe Kib?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

People started to listen to

me in social

issues mvgvwRK welqRbMb GLb Avgvi K_v

gbvhvM w`q b

01

People started to respect meRbMY GLb AvgvK mvb

Ki02

My income increased as I

got involved with an income

generating activitiesAvgviAvq ew cqQ hnZzAvwg GLb Avq eabg~jK

KgKv hy nqwQ

03

I started to get invitations in

social gatherings GLbAvgvK mvgvwRK KvR

AvgY Rvbvbv nq04

Community people call me in

their problemvbxqjvKRb Zvì mgmvq

AvgvK WvK

05

Others (specify)Abvb(DjL Kib)...............


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132. What do you expect as a VTRTmember?[Multiple response possible]

GKRb wfwUAviwU m`m wnmveAvcwb wK Avkv Kib?

[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Want to save tigers evNevuPvZ PvB

01

Want to save Sundarban

myìeb evuPvZ PvB 02

Want to mitigate the tiger

human conflict evN I gvbylimsNvZ ckwgZ KiZ Pvb

03

MoneyUvKv 04Status mvgvwRK ghv`v 05

Job PvKzix 06Power gZv 07

Nothing wKQzB bv 08Others (specify)Abvb

(DjL Kib)...............Assessing motivation level towards voluntarism:

Comment on the following statements whether you agree or disagree wbi welqjviDci Avcbvi gZvgZ w`b Avcwb wK GKgZ bv wgZ

I fully

agreeAvwgm~b

GKgZ

Im not

sure wbwZbB

I fullydisagree

Avwgm~b

wgZ133. I have the opportunity to do what I

like to doAvwg hv KiZ PvB mBmyhvM Avgvi AvQ

3 2 1

134. I work in VTRT because there isgood relationship among the team

membersAvwg wfwUAviwU-ZKvR Kwi KviY GLvbi m`mìmv_ fvj mK AvQ

3 2 1

135. It is the responsibility of thecommunity members to try to save

the tigers mgvRi jvKì GUv`vwqZ evN msiY Kiv

3 2 1

136. I like to work for the betterment ofthe communityAvwg GjvKvi fvjiRb KvR KiZ PvB|

3 2 1

137. I like the community people to

respect me as I work for themAvwgPvB GjvKvi jvKiv AvgvK mvbKiK hnZz Avwg Zvì Rb KvRKiwQ|

3 2 1

138. All the Sundarban communitymembers should work together to

save the tigers for their own

betterment. myìebi me GjvKvi

3 2 1


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jvKì AekB Zvì fvji Rb evNmsiY GK KvR Kiv DwPZ|

139. Tigers should not be harmed even ifthere is THC. evN I gvbyli msNvZnjI evNi wZ Kiv DwPZ bv|

3 2 1

140. Conserving the tiger would keep thebalance of life in Sundarban.

evN msiY myìebi RxeewPifvimvg iv Ki|

3 2 1

141. Tiger is the pride of Sundarban.evN myìebi Mie| 3 2 1

F. Knowledge level of VTRT members on Wildlife Act and Compensation PolicyeYcvYx msiY AvBb I wZcyiYmK wfwUAviwU m`mì vbi wevi

No Questions Coding Categories Code Skip

142. Do you know about any compensationfor damages caused by tigers andcrocodile? evN I Kzwgii KviYqwZi Rb Kvb wZc~iY mKwK Avcwb Rvbb?

Yes nvu 1No bv

2

143. In which cases can you claimcompensation?


Kvb Avcbviv wZc~ib `vexKiZ cvib?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Damages inside forest

while having legal pass

hLb AbygwZ wbq ebceki ci mLvb

wZ nj

01

Damages inside village

caused by tigers or

alligators Mvgi wfZievN ev Kzwgi viv

Avv nq

02

Others (Specify).Abvb (DjL

Kib)...............Don't know/Can't Say

Rvwb bv / ejZ cvwi bv 99

144. From where can you collectcompensation application form?[Multiple response possible]

Avcbviv Kv_v _K wZc~iYi RbAve`bci dg msMn Kib?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Forest

Camp/Station/Range

Office ebi

Kv/kb/i

01

Upazila Office DcRjvAwdm

02


Kib)...............Don't know/Can't Say

Rvwb bv / ejZ cvwi bv 99


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145. Which documents are needed to beattached with the application form?[Multiple response possible]

Kvb Kvb bw_c Ave`b ci mv_mshy KiZ nq?

[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Copy of GD wRwWiKwc

1

Medical Certificate

gwWKjmvwUwdKU

2

Copy of Legal Pass

ceki AbygwZ ciKwc

3

Don't know/Can't SayRvwb bv / ejZ cvwi bv 9

146. How many days do you have tosubmit the application form? KZw`biga Ave`bc `vwLj KiZ nq?

.days.w`b 01


147. According to the Bangladesh Wildlifecompensation policy what is the

compensation for human death?evsjv`ki ebcvYx AvBb Abymvigvbyl gviv Mj wZc~ib KZ?

TakaUvKv


148. According to the Bangladesh Wildlifecompensation policy what is thecompensation for human injury?

evsjv`ki ebcvYx AvBb Abymvigvbyl AvNvZ cj wZc~ib KZ?

TakaUvKv


149. According to the Bangladesh Wildlifecompensation policy what is thecompensation for livestock/crops

damage? evsjv`ki ebcvYx AvBb

Abymvi Mevw` c/dmji wZ njwZc~ib KZ?

TakaUvKv

Don't know/Can't SayRvwb bv / ejZ cvwi bv

99

G. Sustainability of VTRT wfwUAviwU m`mì wUK _vKv welq


150. Do you think VTRTs will sustainwithout WildTeam support?AvcwbwK gb Kib wfwUAviwU-wUgIqvBwUg Gi mvnvh QvovB PjZcvi?

Yes nvu 1 151No bv

2 152

151. What types of supports are needed tocontinue the service withoutWildTeam?[Multiple response possible]

IqvB wUgi mvnvh Qvov mPj _vKviRb wK aibi mnhvMxZv AvcbvìcqvRb?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

Need to buildsustainable leadershipwUK _vKvi Rb

bZZ Zix KivcqvRb

01

Need financial support

to the VTRT members

wfwUAviwU-i m`mìAvw_K mnhvMxZv

02


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cqvRbNeed to involve VTRT

members in some sortof IGA to make them

financially solvent

wfwUAviwU m`mìAvqeabg~jK

Kvhg hy nZ nehb Avw_Kfve ^Qj

nIqv hvq

03

Need to be affiliatedwith the Forest

Department and local

administration ebwefvM Gesvbxq

ckvmbi mv_ hy

nZ ne

04

Need more trainingAviIcwkY cqvRb

05


Kib)...............152. If the Wild Team does not support you

would you continue to work as VTRT

in future? hw` IqvB wUg AvcbvìmnvqZv bv Ki, Ze wK AvcbvivwfwUAviwUi Kvhg fwelZ

Pvwjq hZ AvMnx neb?

Yes nvu 1 153No bv

2 154

153. If yes, why would you continue towork as VTRT in future?


nvu nj, Kb Avcwb fwelZwfwUAviwUi Kvhg Pvwjq hZPvb?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

For social recognition

mvgvwRK ghv`vi Rb 01

For saving the tigers

evNì euvPvbvi Rb 02

To reduce damages

caused from THC evN Igvbyli msNvZ qwZ

Kgvbvi Rb

03

Others (specify)Abvb (DjL

Kib)...............154. If no, why would not you continue to

work as VTRT in future?[Multiple response possible]

bv nj, Kb Avcwb fwelZwfwUAviwUi Kvhg Pvwjq hZPvb bv?[GKvwaK Di nZ cvi]

It will be tough to workwithout fundA_ Qvov

KvR Kiv KwVb nqhve

01

Managing the teams will

not be possible `jKgvbR Kiv KwVb ne

02

Community people will 03


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not support us withoutaffiliation with WildTeam

IqvB wUg Gi mv_ hy

vtrt survey draft report

Documents