Comparative Study on the Socio-Economic Profile of Soligas in Core and Buffer Zone of Biligiri Rangana Hills (B. R. Hills) of Karnataka

Abstract

The present study was carried out purposively to study socioeconomic status and existing animal husbandry practices of soliga tribe in Biligiri Ranga Hills of Karnataka state. Randomly 105 respondents from 11villages/podus of core zone and 149 respondents from 16 villages of buffer zone were selected. Results indicated that male respondents are predominant both in buffer zone and core zone. No joint family reported. The literacy rate (15-22%) is low in both zones. Landholding patterns among the individual Soliga families are forest and revenue land. Majority soligas have marginal land (up to 2.5acres) and Non Timber Forest Products was the common and top source of income and least was the animal husbandry. The percentage of livestock keepers in core and buffer zone was 67.6% and 65.77% respectively. Predominant species in both zones was goat, cattle and poultry. However, poultry was relatively highest (17.14%) in core zone compare to buffer zone.