Dear Stakeholder/Participant

This questionnaire is part of research to explore the value stakeholders hold for the presence of free roaming elephants in the Knysna forest, a collaborative effort between South African National Parks (SANParks) and Nelson Mandela University (NMU). The aim is to understand stakeholder expectations for a persistent elephant population in the Knysna forest and to collaboratively determine the desired management approach.

To participate in this study we request that you first read an introduction to the study, which will appear on the following pages, prior to completing and submitting the questionnaire.

This research has undergone a review process by South African National Parks, scientific services and an ethical review by the Nelson Mandela University Human Ethics Committee. The Ethics Clearance number for this research is H20-SCI-SRU-001. In case of any enquiries, please contact Lizette Moolman (SANParks Wildlife Ecologist) at Lizette.moolman@sanparks.org.

Please note the following:

· Your participation in this questionnaire is completely voluntary

· You will not be asked to provide your name

· The data obtained from this research will be used for research purposes only and may be used in comparative studies in the future

· Should you want to fill out the questionnaire face-to-face, the researcher will make arrangements to come to you to administer the questionnaire and make arrangements to meet you at a place of convenience.

· Should you want to fill out the questionnaire face-to-face, the researchers have made provisions in order for social distancing and other Covid-19 precautions, according to National and Provincial regulations to be adhered to.