Abstract
The study explores the attitudes of Indian shepherds in Karnataka toward wolves, focusing on the Gadag District near Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary. Through 42 qualitative interviews, it reveals a generational shift: older shepherds (>30 years old) view wolves as sacred and beneficial, while younger ones see them as threats to livelihood. Despite high livestock losses, tolerance remains due to cultural beliefs and traditional practices, especially in older shepherds. Findings from the interviews emphasize the critical role of integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary conservation approaches — such as strategic fencing, the deployment of livestock-guarding dogs, the promotion of community-based management, enhanced awareness initiatives, strengthened compensation mechanisms, and the preservation of grazing lands — to facilitate sustainable coexistence between humans and wolves. The findings underscore the need for collaborative approaches that respect cultural values and address economic challenges, ensuring the sustainability of both pastoralism and wolf conservation in India.