BRT A walkthrough

...where tigers co-exist

www.brt.gov.in BRT – A walkthrough

Mission Statement Legend of BRT History of Natural History Ecological significance of the area To conserve and preserve the ecological heritage and consolidate the The Tiger Reserve takes its The BR Hills shot into prominence bio-diversity of Eastern Ghats – Western Ghats ecological bridge of name after famous temple of in the Natural history world Located at the cross roads of Biligiri Ranga Hills with special focus on conserving the Tiger. Ranganatha atop this hill. A mainly due to the writings of the the Western Ghats and Eastern copper plate record dated 1667 R.C. Morris who wrote over 80 Ghats landscapes, this important and belonging to Mudduraju, son papers to the Bombay Natural ecological bridge of the BR hills is of Trimalarajanayaka of Hadinadu History Society Journal about very crucial to provide the much sheds light on the history of the richness of bio-diversity of needed safe corridor providing Key facts the temple. Here these hills BR Hills. The Morrises comprised safe connectivity to wildlife across 77º E 77º10’ E Area of Tiger Reserve are mentioned as that of Thiru of two generations the senior these two major bio-geographical 12º10’ N 12º10’ N 574 Sq. Kms Venkatanatha (reincarnation of Randolph Hayton Morris and his realms. With an increasing Vishnu) of Bilikal (White Rock). second son, Randolph (Ralph for population of tigers and with its Location In Sanskrit, this hill was called short) Camroux Morris. Randolph proven track record of harbouring Chamarajnagar District Shwetadri meaning white hill. This Hayton Morris, son of a rector a significant number of breeding Karnataka, South India is because the hill’s weathered in a church and an adventurous tigers, BRT Tiger Reserve is a granite cliff face appears white in refugee from Muthill, near Crieff, crucial Tiger breeding unit which Distance 12º N 12º N colour. The Venkatanatha temple Perthshire in central Scotland, UK. is a source population for Tigers From Bangalore : 254 Kms BRT Temple became known as Ranganatha He moved to India and settled moving further south and east From Mysore : 90 Kms temple after Tipu Sultan visited down in BR Hills in 1886 to grow to Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve Doddasampige tree this temple while on a hunting coffee. In 1895 the R.H. Morris and Malai Mahadeshwara Hills. Rainfall expedition and described it as was gored by a Gaur during a Interesting bio-diversity mosaics K Gudi 689 mm to 1990 mm a temple of Lord Ranganatha. hunting expedition which left and peculiarities make BR Hills a Hence, the name Biligiri him with only one lung. He died treasure trove of bio-diversity and 11º50’ N 11º50’ N Temperature Rangananathaswamy Temple. in 1918. In the summer of 1912, a challenge to ecologists.

KARNATAKA ANDHRA PRADESH 8°C to 38°C his second son Ralph gave-up his Soliga lore recounts how the ambition of studying Zoology at

KERALA TAMILNADU Elevation N Lord Vishnu, after slaying an evil Oxford, and returned to BR Hills. 0510 600 metres to 1950 metres km demon at some hills nearby was Based around Bedaguli he wrote 77º E 77º10’ E looking to a place to finally rest, extensively about the forests and and a local tribal God, Siddappaji wildlife. Famous visitors to the shows him this cliff. The story areas include Salim Ali and continues that the cliff was raised E.P Gee. out from the forests around to make a good seat for the Lord . The forests of BR Hills was the first Further the story goes that the place in South India where the first Soliga, Bomme Gowda’s Kheddah procedure for capturing beautiful daughter Pusumale wild elephants was perfected by was wooed by none other than George Sanderson in the later Lord Vishnu, cementing a bond part of the nineteenth century. between the Soliga people, their The forests were also the hunting Gods and the “mainstream” Hindu reserve for the Maharaja of culture around. To this day, the Mysore. ABOVE temple of Biligiriranga situated on An old archival the white cliff (Biligiri in Kannada) Subsequently after Independence image of Ralph has strong linkages with the the forests were under the Morris in his favourite forest in Soliga community. During its jurisdiction of Forest Department, BRT in full hunting annual festival in March every in 1994 the forests were made gear. year, the deity is carried by four into the BIligiri Ranganatha © Siddappa Setty Soliga youth. Temple Wildlife Sanctuary and in January 2011 this sanctuary was OPPOSITE PAGE There is a mysterious tradition declared as Biligiri Ranganatha The white cliff on which the and legend about this temple. Temple Tiger Reserve. temple of Lord Anyone visiting the temple can Ranganathaswamy see a huge pair of sandals. Legend is located and from which the Tiger has it that the presiding deity Reserve takes its Lord Ranganatha to roam around name. these forests uses these sandals. Interestingly, these sandals wear out and are replaced regularly with new ones by the villagers. ‘Honnameti’ or Golden footprint in Kannada is an apt name as this lone standing rock casts its shadow on the forests all around it. A vegetation conglomerate…

Not many Tiger Reserves in the country can boast of a range of Forest Types like BRT Tiger Reserve. Located in the crucial link between Eastern and Western Ghat complex. The Tiger Reserve is a mosaic of landscapes within a landscape. From the semi-arid to the evergreen forests the range of forest types seem endless and hard to explain scientifically. Aggregation of species from wet zones and co-existing with semi-arid ones in a same location is very mystifying indeed. What is a riddle to science is a pleasure to the senses.

The main forest types and northern parts. Species covered with mosses, lichens encountered in BRT are : include Acacia chundra, and other epiphytes. The floristic Diospyros melanoxylon, composition is dominated by Woodland to savanna- Diospyrous montana, Ixora members of the Lauraceae family. woodland pavetta, Limonia accidissima and Schefflera capitata, Meliosma The savanna-woodland vegetation Rhus mysorensis. sps. Xantholis tomentosa and type covers a large part of the Symplocos sp are characteristic western flank and is also found Forests species of these sholas. in the shallow valleys along the Evergreen forests are mostly mid-slope of the eastern side confined to streams valleys, glens, Semi ever green forests between 900M to 1350M. The hallows and depressions where Semi ever green forests in woodlands are localized in humid the soil moisture is relatively the sanctuary are either pockets and form a mosaic high. The evergreen forests can be formed due to degradation with Savanna woodlands. Some categorised into two types. of original evergreen forests common canopy species include or as transitions to evergreen Anogeisus latifolia, Dalbergia Riparian forests types. When these forests are paniculata, Grewia teliafolia. In the midst of deciduous disturbed, especially by fire, the Species in the second story forests, small pockets of openings generally get invaded by include Buchanania lanzan, Kydia evergreen forests occurring deciduous species.Aphanamixis calycina, Schleichera oleosa and along perennial streams is polystachya, Canthium diccocum, in the third strata includesCassia termed “Riparian forests”. The Catunaregam torulosa, Meyna fistula, Phyllanthus emblica. The typical hygrophylous species laxiflora. under growth consists of shrubs, are Elaeocarpus tuberculatus herbs and grasses especially in Syzygium malabaricum, Shrub savanna savanna woodland. Vibernum punctatum. The Shrub savannas interspersed presence of Cocculus launifolius amidst sholas dominate the Tree savanna and Syzygium malabaricum in landscape at higher altitudes, Tree savannas largely cover the BR Hills has phytogeographical particularly on the eastern steep eastern slopes and are significance. The former has been and the central ridges of hill also sparsely distributed in the recorded only from NE Himalayas range. Common species include northern and western part of and other South Indian hills like Artemisia perviflora, Cucurma the sanctuary between 800M Nilgiri and Anamalais, where as neilgherrensis, Phoenix humilis and 1400M. At 800M - 1100M the latter is a rare species found and Hypericum mysorensis. specially on steep slopes tree in the southern western ghats. savannas are charecterised by slope loving species such as Altitudinal evergreen OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM TOP Boswellia serrata, Commiphora forests The high hills are a Beginning from mosaic of species caudate, Givotia rottleriformis, In the western flank, this the Xerophytic of moist deciduous Gsyrocorpus asiatica, Sterculia kind of forests is particularly Euphorbia in which during urens, along withAnogeissus distributed between 1200M the foothills, the spring indicate vegetation of BRT their identity in the latifolia, Lagerstromia parviflora, and 1400M depending upon takes a moist route new flush. Pterocarpus marsupium and the local soil moisture regime. toward the high Terminalia alata. Beyond 1400M, the evergreen hills. forests show over all reduction Scrub woodland to thickets in density. Physiognomically, MIDDLE Just below the high These types occur along the they are stunted forests rarely hills is the vast periphery of the sanctuary higher than 15M, with short boled expanse of dry between 700M to 900M and trees. The crowns are dense and deciduous forests which is dominated some times reach upto 1200M the leaves are generally large. by Anegeissus especially along eastern slopes The branches are twisted and latifolia. Bio–diversity at a glance Predator prey infographic

Sambar Mammals Total species : 28 Threatened : 8 Birds Medicinal plants Total species : 274 Four–horned Muntjac Total species : 886 Threatened : 9 antelope

Amphibians Orchids Total species : 14 Total species : 65 Threatened : 2

Butterflies Reptiles Total species : 145 Total species : 23 Chital Wild pig Threatened : 4

Flora Fishes Predators Total species : 1350 Total species : 16

Gaur Bonnet macaque

Hanuman langur At the ridgeline high above, the forests make way for the Shola grasslands, a major grazing ground for the large ungulates. Seen here is the Jodigere grasslands. © BRT-TR/ Pruthviraj.U ABOVE The Four-horned antelope is a resident of the low foothills in forests with sparse undergrowth, young ones are seen between January to April.

MIDDLE BRT is also a great butterfly destination, with over 170 species, in this case a mud-puddling Paris ABOVE Peacock draws Not a dead wood, attention. in the forests of © Ashok Mansur BRT every niche is occupied by BOTTOM LEFT the bio-diversity, Crisscrossing the in this case a roads is the Star beautiful orchid turtle which occurs Vanda testicia in the drier plains. on a tree which has completed its active life cycle. BOTTOM RIGHT Bird distribution peculiarities in BRT are a riddle to ornithologists the existence of the Green Imperial Pigeon, a bird associated with evergreen forest occurring in dry scrub is one such. © Ashok Mansur Just Tigers...

The Tiger is the flagship species Reserve shares its boundaries for conservation in the BRT Tiger across the adjoining state of Reserve. Declared as a Tiger Tamilnadu bordered by another Reserve in January 2011, BRT newly created Tiger Reserve of joins its illustrious neighbours Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve of Bandipur and Nagarhole which is also connected to Tiger Reserves in Karnataka. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Recent scientific studies reveal which in turn is connected to a significant tiger numbers for Bandipur and Wynaad and further the Tiger Reserve, this recent onto Nagarahole makes it a knowledge also confirmed that veritable storehouse of Tiger gene BRT-TR is host to a good number pool of South India. With recent of breeding tigers as well. evidence of Tigers moving across Knowing a handle on prey species long distances to occupy new is, what is touted, as a keystone landscapes, it is clear that Tigers in assessing the future potential are exploring new territories and for any Tiger Reserve. Surprisingly consolidating in areas where this is where BRT-TR scores very abundance of prey and safety is TOP well. Tiger the apex predator, ensured. As ecologists prefers large bodied mammals debate whether the invasive Lantana like Gaur and Sambhar. BRT- With a significant human has helped the TR is surprisingly well stocked presence be it either forest tiger or not, a tiger with such large bodied prey. In dwelling tribes, visiting pilgrims uses Lantana to prepare for an net Prey Kilogrammes / sq km or surrounding villages everyone ambush. it is listed well above high tiger is a stakeholder along with the density parks like Kaziranga and Tiger another wildlife. Protecting BOTTOM Pench. This is very welcome news. the Tiger from disturbing human Night drives show Sustaining and improving prey activities is the main challenge. this young cubs waiting for their density coupled with rigorous The thrust on protection mother, breeding protection is the key to ensuring coupled with rigorous scientific tigers actively and consolidating Tiger numbers documentation is the way use the coffee plantations to for BRT. forward for the Tiger. access forests on either sides in BRT. Being in a tiger landscape, which is regarded as the most promising stronghold for the Tigers in the world (National Geographic Dec 2011 issue). Supported by intensive scientific research in the recent years makes BRT-TR a Tiger Reserve with immense potential. BRT is also not an isolated Tiger Reserve, a large portion of the Tiger As temperatures soar during the mid-day a cool stream bed is a preferred resting place for tigers. Just Elephants...

BRT Tiger Reserve is located at the top of the hills. Some herds at the periphery have resulted the junction of the two major move across the landscape to in the changed behavior where landscapes for elephants. The the Kabini backwaters where the elephants tend to hang around major population of the Western annual congregation happens forest boundaries for crop raiding. Ghats landscape meets the in summer. Clan studies have With an increased focus on Eastern Ghats landscape. In indicated that new clans putting up effective barriers like fact BRT Tiger Reserve offers are clearly moving from the Elephant proof trenches and the much needed safe corridor BRT landscape to the Kabini Solar fencing this has effectively for elephants moving to the backwaters, this reinforces that checked the crop raiding to a east into Satyamanglam forests the elephants use this landscape very large extent. Innovative and further on to Kollegal and to access resources and ensure practices in involving local Eco- finally upto Bannerghatta close spread of the gene pool of the development committees in to Bangalore city. BRT Tiger elephants across the Mysore maintenance of the Solar fences Reserve forms a crucial part of elephant reserve. Two important have also resulted in effective the Mysore Elephant Reserve. corridors exist. management of conflict. However It is also part of the greater instances of electrocution of elephant landscape of Nagarhole Elephant herds in BRT Tiger elephants are also reported, this – Niligiris elephant reserve. Two Reserve are small in size mostly is a grave point which needs to be crucial corridors exist in BRT between 2 - 4 individuals, addressed directly. Tiger Reserve, the Chamrajnagar individuals of upto 6 in a herd – Talamalai corridor to the are considered large herds. The need of the hour is to west connecting with Bandipur Substantial proportion of solitary effectively create double barriers and Satyamangalam and individuals are also encountered. of Elephant proof trenching Doddasampige – Edyarahalli Density estimates indicate of and Solar fencing through Reserve forest corridor to the around 1.7 animals / sq km. out the area which are prone East connecting with Kollegal and Studies have also revealed that to conflict. This coupled with Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. a major portion of the males are increased awareness and a quick under the age of 30. The ratio of compensation programme is This effective corridor has adult males to female is one adult the way forward for handling secured the Elephants and its male to 4.1 females, which is Man-Elephant conflict in the traditional corridors. BRT Tiger considered low. This is attributed landscape. Reserve is a crucial habitat for to the previous history where the Asian elephant (Elephas Veerapan and his gang subjected maximas). With its ideal habitat the landscape to targeted of various forest types occurring poaching of bulls for ivory. Lots in a small area. The feeding habit of big males were also collected of the elephants is oriented from this landscape for museums towards this kind of mixed forest and zoos. TOP types. Ranging from the Shola High mountains grasslands, moist deciduous BRT Tiger Reserve with a long grasslands are excellent feeding forests and to dry deciduous boundary with cultivation in grounds for forests at the foothills. The excess of 200 Kms is a potential elephants. elephants regularly use all the hotspot for Man-Animal conflict. forest types for foraging. Increasing changes in the BOTTOM Inspite of their demographic and vegetation huge size, Varying group sizes with a mixed in the landscape surrounding elephants have composition is the normal trend the forests mainly attributed to very small eyes they largely in elephant groups in BRT Tiger changing cropping patterns from depend on their Reserve. With its assured water rainfed agriculture to irrigated sense of smell sources most of the herds are plantation crops has resulted and ultrasound to communicate. located and move within the Tiger in a spurt of Man-Elephant © Sanjana Raj Reserve mainly from foothills to conflict. The high value crops BRT is an important landscape used by elephants, proximity to water and quality feeding grounds is the preferred choice, in this case the Gundal reservoir backwaters. On the Bird trail…

A bay backed welcome

As one starts off at the Gumballi Besras; the drongos here are of check post at the northern the Bronzed variety and the more foothills near Yelandur, the familiar red-whiskered bulbuls habitat is a dry scrub growth give way to the yellow browed on either side of the road. The ones. Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) is very common The newer micro-habitats here, as are Jungle Babblers made available by the wetter, (Turdoides striata) in their small semi-evergreen forests provide flocks. In winter, large and noisy opportunity to a greater diversity flocks of Rosy Pastors(Sturnus of birds – nuthatches, flycatchers, roseus) pass through in the monarchs, more species of evenings from surrounding woodpeckers and barbets. The cultivation and probably roost in wet forests abound with a variety large numbers at the foothills. of insects, frogs and reptiles. Weaver nests may be seen The temperature drops and the hanging over the small water trees are evidently taller. Indeed, bodies in this area and birds that further down along the valleys frequent farmland habitat visit in the central part of the BR Hills often – the Munias, bushlarks and range, the trees can be very tall such. Large reservoirs such as with woody climbers that stretch the Krishnayyanakatte, Bellatta, from tree to tree, live bridges Suvarnavathi collect the water networking the forest. Apart from trickling down in small and large the larger animals such as Tigers, streams from the hills. But, the Gaurs and Elephants, these areas “jewel” of this habitat is the are also have giant squirrels, beautiful Baybacked Shrike stripe necked mongoose, barking (Lanius vittatus) that is commonly deer’s and many other animals. seen a few hundred meters after Early in the mornings, flocks of crossing the Gumballi check post Wild Dogs may be seen. And in the on the way to the hilltop. winter, Grey Wagtail, a migrant bird from the colder northern The Doves change, the regions ranging from Europe, drongos bronze Northern Asia and Himalayas lines the roads and forest trails. Continuing further up the Gumballi check post, the road With over 270 species, avian soon begins an easy climb and the diversity of BR Hills is a treat for habitat changes to dry deciduous any birdwatcher. forest. And further up, the forests become more and more moist. The Laughing Doves are slowly OPPOSITE PAGE replaced by Spotted Doves and TOP still further up towards the forest Inspite of its bright guesthouse at K-Gudi, the same colors, the Black areas along the road are occupied headed oriole is normally heard by Emerald Doves - a beautiful than seen, its illustration of how bird species persistent raucous change with habitat. Flocks call a giveaway. of noisy Hill Mynas (Gracula BOTTOM religiosa) with their golden The Lorikeet or crowns and Malabar Parakeets’ Vernal Hanging (Psittacula columboides) harsh parrot belongs to calls echo through the forests a peculiar group, that these are the in these parts. Fluty notes of only group of birds Flycatchers and electric-spark in the world which like calls of Rufous Babblers are sleep upside down. They feed on seeds, often heard. The Shikras of the fruits and nectar. lower elevations are replaced by An attractive predator is the Changeable hawk eagle which can take small animals like in this case an newly born Chital calf. 3. Black Eagle 5. Spot Bellied Eagle Owl

Patrolling the skies is this iconic avian If a bird can call and curdle the blood of predator the Black Eagle. With its’ many bravehearts this is the bird which phantom like habits and guarding over can do so. This eagle sized owl is the rocky cliffs and swooping around the night watchman of the enchanted forest. Icons of BRT canopy in low flight. This majestic eagle Sholigas the local tribe abhor the call of is the embodiment of freedom. A simple the bird and flee even from its calls. This sighting of this bird will lift the mood of bird is one of the best nocturnal predator the viewer by many a miles. Once seen, inspite of its amazing size this bird glides never forgotten is the true appendage for easily into the dense canopies and picks a sighting of this bird. With its trademark up its meal with amazing accuracy. Its spread out primaries in flight like the prey ranges from small mice to the large fingers of a palm and distinguishing mouse deer. This bird is very prevalent yellow beak and legs, this bird is our icon in the higher reaches of the BRT Tiger in the sky. Reserve. A very deserving nocturnal icon for BRT.

7. The Doddasampige Tree

If the Honnameti stone is the heart of the Tiger Reserve, the Doddasampige is the spirit of the Tiger Reserve. This giant of a tree Michelia champaca located deep inside an enchanting riverain habitat grows to colossal proportions and for ages has been the guiding spirit of the forest. Testimony to this is the numerous religious stones which adorn it. People from far and wide travel to this great marvel of nature to worship and pay obeisance for the supreme soul of the forest. No where else is a similar parallel and thus BRT adds this jewel in the 1. Tiger crown as its esteemed icon.

The supreme predator and the charismatic cat is the best wildlife icon for all forest areas. BRT is blessed to have this as its apex predator and inspite 2. The Honnameti Stone of the odds continues to survive and co-exist with various anthropogenic Stones are great story tellers and true disturbances in its habitat. The Tiger anchors of a landscape. Stones have over Panthera tigris given a chance would time and again been a great reference grow from strength to strength and point to provide bearings to any habitat. consolidate BRT into a strong breeding Nowhere else in the natural habitat a unit. The Tiger is spread throughout single stone takes precedence like in the the length and breadth of BRT. A simple case of the Honnameti Kallu a natural pugmark is the true signature that all is single stone with its elegant shape and well with the forest. more importantly significant locations atop one of the highest points of BRT becomes a striking natural point around which the BRT Tiger Reserves weaves its 6. Microhyla sholigari canopy in all directions spreading far and 4. The Four Horned Antelope 9. Kollegal Ground Gecko wide. This stone is a great testimony to BRT-TR is not all about its big and large the lands’ geography and to the vagaries 8. The Madras Tree Shrew icons but also of those which are small of the climate. This stone is not just a This beautiful antelope is hardly known If name is the only indication then but significant. Significant is the right stone but the very heart of the Tiger inspite of being well widespread in If there has to be an enigmatic icon our next icon is the Kollegal ground word because frogs are the greatest bio- Reserve and a truly deserving geological most habitats. This is mainly due to its anywhere in the world then it has gecko Geckoella kollegalensis which indicators of our changing planet are also icon. solitary and shy nature. Taking flight at be the Madras Tree shrewAnathana was initially described to science from the least understood in the modern day the slightest intrusion, many do not get ellioti. Morphologically located at Kollegal a locality within BRT Tiger science. Not surprisingly this dimunitive a glimpse of it even after many drives the crossroads between a squirrel, Reserve. A very attractive gecko, which frog was incidentally found close to the into its habitat. This antelopeTetracerus mongoose and a rat, this tree shrew is has very colorful spots and prefers rocky Spiritual icon of Doddasampige stream quadricornis has two pairs of horns one a specialized feeder. Its habitat niches habitats and mainly nocturnal. This less than a decade ago. This frog is very a longer pair on the head and the other are so demanding that this animal exists gecko though small leads an active life. new to science and is known to exist very small stubs a little close to the only in certain pockets of the country. Frequently moulting to put a good show only in BRT Tiger Reserve and nowhere forehead. In the southern subspecies the Surprisingly this shrew holds on its of its spots to hold on to territories and else in the world. A very apt taxonomical front stubs are reduced to mere lumps own inspite of many predators. BRT-TR attracting mates. This small creature nomenclature of the Microhyla sholigari on the forehead. The antlers are never forests are considered as the best place though named after Kollegal but is very named after the local tribe ‘Sholigas’ shed and this species continues to thrive to sight these enigmatic animals. Even wide spread right across the Western will render this iconic frog much to in the foothills of BRT-TR and possibly upon many focused trips one is never Ghats. It is but quite natural that a the delight of Anthropologists and represents the best stronghold for the assured of a sighting and even if one is species, which has woven into science Batrachologists alike. species in South India. This nimble and lucky to have a glimpse it tends to be from the very origin of type locality, fleeting beauty is our speed icon. so fleeting that one is left pondering should figure in our icon list. whether he or she really saw one. This tenacious shrew is BRT’s chosen icon. Sholigas

Peopled forests : Origins

The forests of BR Hills have had their day’s jungle experiences people for time immemorial. into it as they sing and dance Burial sites excavated from in a familiar rhythm. The song several areas nearby date recalls a spider (Goruka in Soliga back to 3000 years ago to the language) weaving its web, just Megalithic period. These sites as they weave their experience characteristically consist of into their story. Further down Dolmens - a circular arrangement the song, it is common to hear of of large stones with a central the cheekiness of the Mountain pit, walled off by granite slabs. Imperial Pigeon or the ambition Although, it is not known if of the Four-horned Antelope to these belong to the ancestors of create dung heaps as large as the present Soliga tribe, having the hills itself! Having lived for lived here for generations. The generations, many observations Soliga people have an intricate of the life and behaviour of understanding of the flora and animals are woven into songs and fauna. The Soliga lore traces lore of the Soliga people. their origins to the forest itself. Their name Soliga is in Today, the Soliga people number itself an indication that they about 21000. In the words of Jade have come from the forests Gowda, the former Thammadi of (Sola-forest; iga-belonging to). Doddasampige, the Soligas are One of their principal deities, indeed brothers of the others (the the Doddasampige is a large naadu jana - the plains people). Michelia champaka tree in a valley at the heart of the forest. On the banks of the stream Bhargavi, the large imposing tree perhaps several hundreds of years old is worshipped by a Weave, spider weave that web… community-appointed high priest, OPPOSITE PAGE the Thammadi. Their folklore, Doddasampige, my Lord The Sholigas who reside in BRT songs and dances adopt several Safeguard and protect me, O Lord worship natural elements from their life in the elements, the forests – the four-note call of Weave, spider weave that web… Doddasampige tree is the most pious Kethanakki, the Soliga name O the Mountain Imperial Pigeon of Boodipadaga, among all. for the Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus The same one that cannot be trapped! micropterus) is named after one ABOVE of their Gods, Ketha. The bird’s Sholigas have Behold the Sloth Bear of my forest… great respect four-note call announces the for the tiger, arrival of their God, Ketha (Ke tha - Translated from the Soliga song Gorukana notwithstanding ban da – the four-note call!). A ‘Doddanayi’ (Big dog) which the temple to Ketha gives its name to Sholigas call the the hunting lodge of the erstwhile Tiger. Maharaja of Mysore, now with the Forest Department. Every year, Soligas from all around gather for Rotti habba, where they make fresh bread with Ragi to be shared among themselves, as they sing Goru, goruko, gorukana… a song that calls on its singers to weave lines from The tiger brigade

Men at work

Every conservation story has its origins in the lives of the frontline staff who, have toiled day after day in challenging conditions to consolidate and conserve an area. The generally overlooked part of the Tiger Reserve is the men who are at work silently behind the scenes so that the mega fauna can take centre stage.

Working in conditions which at best can be described as basic and sometimes bordering on the dangerous, these men run the gauntlet of elephants, bears and LEFT Taking on other unpredictable wildlife in interesting their everyday lives patrolling roles from crack the area. Combined with this, is protection teams to nursing mothers the monsoonal fury, alternated for abandoned and by bone chilling winters and weak young ones. scorching summers, which are the frontline staff topped by a tense fire season, perform a wide range of duties. these men brave it all. With an omnipresent threat of poaching RIGHT these men work round the clock Camp elephants far removed from their families from BRT take a pride of place and children. Most of them are so during Dasara possessive about the areas they festivities in guard that, for many the forests Mysore, Sri Rama and Gajendra are have become their land and the regulars in the animals, their children. Dasara procession.

TOP Located at strategic locations Anti- poaching camps are manned by small but efficient teams with enough striking power.

BOTTOM Effective and consistent communication between field stations is the most crucial component in Tiger protection. Tracking tigers...

With the coming of BRT The Phase IV protocol of NTCA Tiger Reserve into the Tiger contains six components : Reserve fold, the National Tiger Conservation Authority a) Maintaining daily patrolling (NTCA) has stipulated an annual log. monitoring of Tigers in the Reserve. This annual monitoring b) Carrying out beat-wise OPPOSITE PAGE TOP (Phase IV) is an intensive and monitoring of sign encounters Marrying natural scientifically rigorous exercise twice a year. history to which aims to understand the technology is dynamics of the Tiger population c) Recording from Pressure the new trend in conservation, staff in the reserve. Impression Pads. check up the results of camera trapping The objective of the Phase IV d) Obtaining minimum tiger right in the field. exercise is to, at the least, obtain number using camera traps. BOTTOM a minimum number of tigers Nothing draws in a Tiger Reserve, and also e) Obtaining tiger numbers using more satisfaction estimate the tiger population size camera traps (40–60 days than, when tracked tigers show up and prey densities in a reserve closure period). results like this, using spatially-explicit capture- reinforcing the recapture approaches using f) Obtaining minimum tiger simple adage ‘Seeing is believing’. software tools. numbers through DNA analysis from Scats. BELOW Evolving training The preparatory work for the modules like this, hands-on training Phase IV monitoring has been for camera trapping put in place in BRT Tiger Reserve. has been the forte Staff have been trained on of the BRT Tiger reserve. various components. Camera trapping results by frontline staff has enthused them because many of them are able to actually see the tigers in their jurisdiction rather than the indirect signs they encounter during the course of their duties everyday. Forest-People interface

The forest department which has over time worked with the people in the forest areas have understood that the people residing in forests have a better understanding of the issues prevailing in the Tiger Reserve. Infact, a significant majority of them depend on Forest department for livelihood, be it wage generation or non-timber produce collection. A good well laid down partnership which has been refined over time is in place in BRT, this is the very foundation on which mutually beneficially activities which are in consonance which conservation objectives continue to benefit people and department with positive spin-offs for wildlife as well.

Man-Animal conflict

With over 200 Kms of boundaries adjoining cultivation man-animal conflict mainly with respect to elephant crop depredation is the TOP TOP major issue where conflicts arise. Round the year With human- wage creation animal conflict, Through intensive combating through reduced tolerance measures and preventive various forests is the major reason measures like solar fencing and interventions like why people resort road maintenance to electrocution, elephant proof trenching the is the best avenue big tuskers being conflict is managed. However to employ local adventurous with land use change brought people gainfully. are the major about by bringing in high value casualties. BOTTOM perennial crops in traditionally During the dry BOTTOM seasonal crop areas has brought season when Major trends in out the continued brush with agriculture changing cropping conflict where both farmers and activities tend to patterns from be low, fireline rainfed agriculture elephants are under peril. creation and to year round cash maintenance is rich sugarcane and With the increasing in predators a major income banana plantations supplementing have led to live stock killing is also an issue activity. increased conflict. which fuels conflict. Charter of desirables BRT Tiger Foundation

Most of the managers of tiger Tiger Reserve. For Eg: The wage The Central Government sensing Further, for the furtherance of reserves are normally constrained buffer for 6 months for Anti- the need that Civil society was the said objectives the functions because of the funds being poaching camps would be the largely interested to support of the BRT Tiger Foundation in short supply to meet the desirable component for the Tiger conservation and especially shall be undertaken through the managerial needs of the Tiger Reserve manager so that he has Tiger Conservation issued a implementing agency and its staff Reserves, in cases when funds a component to pay these anti- guidelines on June 2007 making it and or sponsored or supported by are allocated but are not made poaching camps even if salaries mandatory for every Tiger Reserve it or through other institutions, available in time. This fund are delayed for 6 months thereby in the country to have a Tiger agencies or individuals crunch is a biggest setback to the ensuring continued protection Foundation so that all revenue collaborated by the implementing manager because all operations of the Tiger Reserve. The money accruing from the activities of a agency. in a Tiger Reserve are subjected will be reimbursed to the Tiger Tiger Reserve mainly from Eco- to seasonality and timelines. Foundation once the money is tourism can be ploughed back The Foundation also provides If a particular operation is not received from the Government. directly to the managing of the for generation of funds through done on time if would make the Tiger Reserve. levies from tourism, grant-in- other operations redundant. For The ‘Charter of desirables’ is aids, donation or assistance of Eg: Clearing of firelines if not much more relevant especially The Government Order of the any kind from any individuals, done timely will have effect on under the context of the National Ministry of Environment and organizations or corporate controlled burning later. Tiger Conservation Authority Forests dated 22nd June, 2007 bodies. (NTCA) rolling out the Tiger states under: Contrary to belief Tiger Reserves Foundations for every Tiger In short the BRT Tiger Foundation do not require large amounts Reserves. Under these guidelines 3 (1) The State Government shall is the avenue through which of money but money should the official management of establish a Tiger Conservation meaningful contributions in cash be made available timely for the Tiger Reserve will create Foundation in each Tiger Reserve and kind can be dovetailed for permanent asset creation and a foundation as per members for facilitating and supporting its the conservation of Tiger in the small amounts of money for prescribed and will operate the management for conservation landscape. This paves the way for regular maintenance is the best funds which accrue to the Tiger of Tiger and biodiversity, apart all conservationists to directly principle for fiscal management Foundation. This Tiger Foundation from taking ecotourism and contribute to Tiger Conservation. of Tiger Reserves. Coming to the is the best way by which all ecodevelopment initiatives by ‘Charter of desirables’, this is a contributions can flow to the involving people in such process. Donations can be made to nothing but a reflection of the Tiger Reserve. BRT Tiger Conservation wishlist of the manager which 3 (2) The Foundation shall be Foundation. Through Demand is in consonance with the Tiger The main desirables for BRT are : a trust, registered under the Draft or Cheque drawn in favour Conservation Plan objectives. • Adopt an Anti-Poaching camp relevant rules of the Government. of Member Secretary, BRT Tiger Most of interventions required for one year. Conservation Foundation and in the ‘Charter of desirables’ • Facilitate barriers to mitigate Under the above provisions the CF & Director, BRT Tiger Reserve, will focus on support of external man-animal conflict. Tiger Foundation for BRT Tiger Chamarajanagar. agencies to run the reserve more • Facilitate Tiger Patrols. Reserve is constituted and it efficiently. is has the following aims and State Bank Of India, objectives. Chamarajanagar Branch. The ‘Charter of desirables’ SB. A/c. No. 32147069877 is based on broad goals of The aim of the BRT Tiger CIF No. 80550264302 management with emphasis on Foundation is to facilitate micro level interventions which and support the Tiger Reserve * Donations to BRT Tiger can contribute to the vision of the management for conservation of Foundation is exempt from Tiger and biodiversity, through Income Tax. multi-stakeholder participation as per approved management plans, and to support similar initiatives in adjoining landscapes, consistent with national and state legislation.

A nature education programme focused on rural youth is the need of the day as it is this group which is likely to bear the brunt of man- animal conflict. Sensitization to this group has great benefits. For the Eco–tourist

BRT Tiger Reserve is a much sought after destination mainly for the breath taking views of nature from the hills, infact the drive along the main roads of the Tiger Reserve is one full of encounters with wild animals.

Forest Department has designated a small area for eco-tourism, the tourism zone is located around K-Gudi and morning and evening safaris are conducted daily. Though BRT Tiger Reserve is a highly preferred destination by the eco-tourist, little accommodation and less intensive safaris make the destination only amenable to the serious eco-tourists, with fewer numbers the nature is much more pristine and the wilderness much more encompassing. Above all the thrill of a possible sighting of the Tiger around the corner makes the safari drives much more exciting.

Children have always been and will continue to be the best ambassadors for conservation. Eco–tourists are © Philip Ross the new majority which has grown exponentially, a careful mix of regulated tourism blended with good nature education is the way forward. © Sanjana Raj Co–existing with the Tiger in the tree tops is the stealth predator Leopard which drags up kills in lofty trees to prevent take over by Wild dogs and Tigers. How can I make a How can I do safaris in BRT reservation if I have to stay Tiger Reserve? at BR Hills? Presently there is only one There are two forest rest houses tourism zone in K-Gudi from which can be reserved in advance. where jeep safaris are run. One is at K-Gudi, which can Jeep safaris are run by Forest accommodate 6 people and the Department and Jungle Lodges. other is at BR Hills which can One vehicle is run by Forest accommodate 4 people. Department accommodating 6 people. Jungle Lodges run 5 For reservations of Forest vehicles, which can accommodate Department accommodation 7 people per vehicle. Jungle Lodges and Forest Department Contact : 08226 222059 also accommodate walk in guests E-mail : [email protected] for safaris but you need to inform them in advance. It is suggested to have a telephonic conversation so that Contact : RFO K-Gudi and Resident availability of the accommodation Manager JLR +91 94495 99754 can be confirmed. Please ask for Mr. Doraiswamy. Your telephonic Safari timings : talk should be followed by a fax or 06.30AM – 09.00 AM and letter addressed to the 03.30 PM – 06.30 PM

CF and Director Charges for each safari : BRT Tiger Reserve Forest department : Rs. 400/ Sultan Sharif Circle person CHAMRAJNAGAR Jungle lodges : Rs. 1250/person Tele / Fax no. 08226 222059 Safari charges include forest entry fees. Rates for accommodation : Rs. 500 - 2000

Please note : Forest Department accommodation is tentative, in case of visiting senior officials and VIPs, the Forest Department reserves the right of cancellation.

Another alternate accommodation, which can accommodate around 30 people is the K-Gudi Wilderness camp run by Jungle Lodges and Resorts.

Link is here http://www.junglelodges.com/ index.php/resorts/kgudi.html

Resident Manager JLR +91 94495 99754

There are other alternatives googling ‘Stay at BR Hills’ should be yielding some results.

Concept, Content, Images : Vijay Mohan Raj Additional inputs : Samad Kottur, Subramanya S, Prasanth N.S All rights reserved © 2012 BRT Tiger Reserve

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