Daily News Analysis

Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT Tiger Reserve)

stylish_lining

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.


 

Critical Minerals

India’s first auction of deep-sea blocks for the extraction of critical minerals has been delayed indefinitely after receiving a poor response from bidders. This auction was expected to be a
Share It

President's Rule

The extension of President’s Rule in Manipur has brought to the fore the historical and controversial use of Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, shedding light on how its imposition disr
Share It

Beggars' Homes in India

In M.S. Patter v. State of NCT of Delhi, the Supreme Court (SC) held that state-run beggars’ homes are not merely penal institutions or charitable endeavors but are instead constitutional tr
Share It

Public Distribution System (PDS)

India's Public Distribution System (PDS) has long been a cornerstone of food security, ensuring access to subsidised cereals for millions of people. However, a recent Crisil study using the &l
Share It

Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA)

The recent Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) represents a major shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and South Asia, with significant implications for Indi
Share It

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement is facing significant challenges in adapting its controls to the rapid growth of cloud technology. This issue highlights the need to update its control lists and enforcem
Share It

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2023 highlights a 9.2% increase in crimes against children in India, with 177,335 cases registered in total. This reflects a concerning rise in
Share It

Doctrine of Contributory Negligence

The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently made an important ruling regarding the doctrine of contributory negligence in criminal law. The court clarified that contributory negligence does not apply t
Share It

Perpetual Bonds

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) recently raised ₹453 crore at an interest rate of 7.70% per annum through its second issue of Perpetual Bonds. This move is part of the
Share It

Fake News

The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology in India has recently proposed several measures aimed at tackling the pervasive issue of fake news and misinformation, acknowled
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS