Howard Gardener’s Multiple Intelligence theory includes Naturalistic intelligence, a cognitive potential to process information regarding nature. The individuals with high NI are likely to do well in diverse nature related careers and can contribute towards sustainable management and conservation of nature.
Studies of NI in Indian context lack any insights into NI that can help to identify and nurture NI. We assessed NI in school children and its expression in naturalists. Correlation of NI with other intelligences and its use were explored.
NI had highly significant but moderate correlations with other seven intelligences. Interview results showed that expert naturalists are highly sensitive towards variety, relationships and patterns found in natural objects and make use of multiple senses, including visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile and gustatory while experiencing their surroundings. The results of both studies are used in conjunction with NI studies abroad to list characteristics that can help identify children with high NI. Activities that can help nurture NI are recommended.