Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT Tiger Reserve)

Recently, eviction notices have been served to two prominent religious institutions and two businessmen within the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple area as part of conservation efforts.

Location:

• The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve is located in the Biligirirangana Hills (BR Hills), in the Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka, India.

• The reserve is situated at an elevation of 5,091 feet above sea level and lies between the Western and Eastern Ghats, making it a unique bio-geographical bridge.

History and Significance:

• The BRT Tiger Reserve was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2011.

• The reserve derives its name from the Biligiri (meaning "white rocky cliff") and the Rangaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located atop the hill.

• The hills are often covered by white mist and silvery clouds, giving the area a serene and mystical aura.

Flora and Vegetation:

• The reserve's vegetation is diverse, encompassing a range of forest types:

  • Scrub forests

  • Dry deciduous forests

  • Moist deciduous forests

  • Shola forests

  • Montane grasslands

• Major plant species include:

  • Anogeissus latifolia

  • Dalbergia paniculata

  • Grewia teliaefolia

  • Terminalia alata, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia paniculata, among others.

Fauna:

The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including some of India's most iconic species:

• Tigers

• Elephants

• Leopards

• Wild dogs

• Bison

Tribal Community:

• The Soliga tribe is the indigenous tribal community living within the tiger reserve. The Soligas were the first tribal community in India to have their forest rights recognized through a court judgment in 2011.

• They have a deep understanding of the forest ecosystem and play an integral role in the reserve’s conservation efforts.

Conservation Importance:

• The BRT Tiger Reserve plays a crucial role in tiger conservation and preserving the biodiversity of the Western Ghats region.

• The presence of a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endangered species, makes it an important conservation site.