වනජිවීන් හා මිනිසුන් අතර ඇතිවන ගැටුම් වළක්වා ගැනීමට සාම්ප්‍රදායිකව යොදාගත් කෙම් ක්‍රම පිළිබඳ මානව විද්‍යාත්මක අධ්‍යයනයක්

Abstract

Since the beginning of human history, humans have been a part of the environment, interacting with plants and animals. Over time, this loss of connection has led to various conflicts between humans and animals. Various methods have been developed as part of human culture to prevent these conflicts. Among the traditional methods, techniques such as mechanical methods, medicinal control methods, biological control methods, Kem methods, etc. can be identified. Among these methods, Kem methods are unique in that cultural values have been embedded in those Kem methods. The lack of this traditional knowledge among the current people, the fact that new technological methods are only friendly to humans, and the fact that these methods are not sufficient, has led to the current conflict between wildlife and humans. This research aims to explore the methods built on traditional knowledge based on this problem. The two Grama Niladhari Divisions of Mariarawa and Okkampitiya in the Monaragala District were used as the study areas. Ten elders above the age of fifty were selected as the research sample through purposive sampling method and relevant data were collected using observation and structured interviews. The study rediscovered many traditional methods. These include the beliefs of the villagers, Manthra (spells), traps, the use of medicines, biological control methods and a variety of Kem methods. Among these, Kem methods are also used for other strategies such as various mechanical methods. Many of the traditional methods, including Kem methods, identified from the field of study and literary sources, were successful and had a scientific basis. It was concluded that traditional methods contain technological strategies that offer better and more effective solutions than modern techniques. Also, the researcher suggests that efforts to prevent and address the current acute human-wildlife conflicts in Sri Lanka by combining traditional knowledge with modern technology would be more effective. It is a good alternative to solve problems by filling the gaps in modern techniques.