The Prime Minister of India acknowledged the Soliga Tribal People of Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve in the 119th edition of Mann Ki Baat, appreciating their contribution to tiger conservation and their efforts in protecting forest biodiversity.

About Soliga Tribe

• Location: The Soliga are an indigenous, forest-dwelling tribe primarily found in the Cauvery Basin and surrounding hills of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• Habitat: They reside on the outskirts of forests, particularly near Biligiri Rangana Hills and Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Chamarajanagar district.
• Name and Cultural Significance: The term “Soliga” translates to “children of bamboo”, symbolizing their deep connection with nature.
  • They believe they emerged from nature, reinforcing their harmonious relationship with forests.
• Recognition of Forest Rights: They made history by becoming the first tribal community in India to have their forest rights recognized within a tiger reserve.
  • In 2011, a court ruling secured their rights to habitat and collection of non-timber forest produce within BRT Tiger Reserve.
• Language: The Soligas speak “Sholaga”, a Dravidian language. They are also fluent in Kannada and Tamil.
• Religion and  Beliefs: The Soligas follow Hindu customs while also practicing naturism and animism, reflecting their spiritual connection with nature.
• Traditional Economy and  Livelihood: Their economy is based on shifting cultivation and the collection of minor forest produce.
  • Honey is an essential part of their diet, and they continue to forage extensively from the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats.

About Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve

• Location : Situated in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. It lies at the confluence of the Western and Eastern Ghats, forming a critical wildlife corridor.
• Nomenclature: Named after ‘BILIGIRI’, meaning white rocky cliff, which houses the temple of Lord Vishnu (Rangaswamy).
  • The hills are often covered in white mist and silvery clouds.

Flora and Fauna of BRT Tiger Reserve

• Forest Types : Southern Tropical Evergreen, Southern Tropical Semi-evergreen and Southern Tropical Moist Deciduous.
• Key Tree Species:
• • Upper Canopy: Axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia), Rosewood (Dalbergia paniculata), Terminalia spp.
  • Middle Layer: Chironji (Buchanania lanzan), Wild Guava (Careya arborea), Ceylon Oak (Schleichera oleosa).
  • Lower Strata: Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula), Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata).
• Fauna: Wild Dog, Bison, Sloth Bear, Sambar, yellow-throated Bulbul, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon,  Rufous-bellied Hawk Eagle and endangered Icthyophis ghytinosus (Caecilian).