Keepers of the wild: How Karnataka’s Soligas coexist with tigers in the Biligirirangana Hills

 

In the verdant embrace of Karnataka’s Biligirirangana Hills (BR Hills), a remarkable story of coexistence unfolds. Here, the Soliga community, an indigenous tribe, lives in profound harmony with the wilderness, including its most revered resident, the tiger. Far from being a tale of conflict, their lives exemplify a deep-rooted spiritual and practical relationship with nature, offering a blueprint for sustainable conservation.

 

 

For generations, the Soligas have called the BR Hills home. Their connection to the forest is woven into the very fabric of their culture, from their name, ‘Children of bamboo’, to their spiritual reverence for the tiger, often worshipped as ‘Huli Veerappa’, a forest deity and vehicle of Lord Madeshwara. This ancient bond, however, faced a severe test when the BR Hills were designated a tiger reserve. Initially, this brought the threat of displacement and restrictions on their traditional way of life.

 

 

Yet, through resilience and collective action, the Soligas achieved a landmark victory. In 2011, under the Forest Rights Act, they became the first tribal community in India to have their community and individual rights legally recognised within the core of a tiger reserve. This wasn’t merely a legal win; it was an affirmation of their integral role in the ecosystem.

 

 

The Soligas’ traditional ecological knowledge is unparalleled. They possess an intimate understanding of the forest, its flora and fauna, passed down through oral traditions and folk songs. This knowledge is not just cultural; it’s a vital component of conservation. Their practices, such as sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products like honey, ensure the well-being of the forest and its inhabitants. They are adept at tracking wildlife, understanding animal behaviour and even employing subtle methods, such as referring to a tiger as ‘Dodda nayi’ (big dog) to encourage its retreat, a testament to their unique perspective.

 

 

Indeed, the Soligas’ presence has been instrumental in the recovery of the tiger population in the BRT Tiger Reserve, with numbers reportedly rising significantly from single digits to around 50. Their vigilance against poaching and their deep respect for the land contribute directly to the health of the ecosystem.

 

 

While challenges remain, including the need to adapt to modern developments without losing their cultural essence, the Soliga community in the BR Hills stands as a powerful example. Their story demonstrates that indigenous communities are not merely inhabitants of protected areas, but often their most effective custodians, proving that humans and apex predators can indeed thrive together, united by a shared reverence for the natural world.