Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT)

The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT), often referred to simply as BRT Tiger Reserve, is a protected area located in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, India. It lies at the ecological confluence of the Eastern and Western Ghats, forming one of the most biodiverse and significant wildlife corridors in southern India. The reserve derives its name from the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, situated atop the highest peak of the range. BRT Tiger Reserve is not only a stronghold for tigers and elephants but also a living example of harmonious coexistence between people, wildlife, and sacred landscapes.

Geographical Location and Area

BRT Tiger Reserve is situated between latitudes 11°47′–12°09′N and longitudes 77°01′–77°15′E. It covers an area of approximately 574 square kilometres, comprising both core and buffer zones. The reserve lies along the ridge connecting the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, making it an important biogeographical bridge that facilitates gene flow between wildlife populations of both mountain systems.
The terrain is undulating, with altitudes ranging from 600 to over 1,800 metres. The highest point, Biligirirangan Hill, stands at 1,808 metres above sea level. The name “Biligiri” literally means “white hill” in Kannada, attributed to the whitish appearance of the hill when viewed from a distance, or possibly to the white-clothed idol of Lord Ranganatha enshrined at its summit.

Historical and Administrative Background

The area was originally notified as the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Recognising its ecological importance and rich faunal diversity, it was upgraded to a tiger reserve in 2011, becoming Karnataka’s fourth Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger scheme of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The reserve is managed by the Karnataka Forest Department, which oversees protection, habitat management, eco-development, and monitoring programmes in coordination with research institutions and local communities.

Climate and Vegetation

The reserve experiences a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons:

• Summer (March–May): Warm and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C.
• Monsoon (June–October): Receives heavy rainfall averaging 900–1,200 mm annually, mainly from the southwest monsoon.
• Winter (November–February): Cool and pleasant, with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C.

The variation in elevation and rainfall has produced a remarkable diversity of vegetation types, including:

• Tropical dry deciduous forests dominated by teak (Tectona grandis) and terminalia species.
• Moist deciduous forests featuring species such as Diospyros, Dalbergia, and Pterocarpus.
• Scrub and grassland ecosystems in lower altitudes.
• Evergreen and shola forests at higher elevations.

This mosaic of vegetation supports a wide range of fauna and flora, characteristic of both the Ghats regions.

Flora and Faunal Diversity

BRT Tiger Reserve is a recognised biodiversity hotspot, home to more than 800 species of plants, 270 species of birds, and nearly 100 species of mammals.
Major fauna include:

• Large mammals: Tiger (Panthera tigris), leopard (Panthera pardus), sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), dhole or Indian wild dog (Cuon alpinus), and striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena).
• Herbivores: Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), gaur (Bos gaurus), sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), spotted deer (Axis axis), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), and wild boar (Sus scrofa).
• Primates: Bonnet macaque, Hanuman langur, and slender loris.
• Birdlife: The reserve is part of the Western Ghats Birding Corridor, hosting species such as Malabar grey hornbill, crested serpent eagle, hill myna, paradise flycatcher, and several species of woodpeckers and owls.

Amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates are also well represented, including endemic species adapted to the unique montane habitats.

Ecological Significance

The BRT Tiger Reserve occupies a strategic position between the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary to the north and the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu to the south. This connectivity forms a crucial corridor for the movement of elephants, tigers, and other wide-ranging species across southern India.
It serves as a gene flow link between the populations of large carnivores and herbivores of the Eastern and Western Ghats, which is vital for maintaining genetic diversity and ecosystem resilience. Moreover, its mixed forest structure supports a variety of microhabitats, making it a refuge for both dry-forest and moist-forest species.

The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple

At the summit of the Biligirirangan Hill stands the ancient Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a form of Vishnu). The temple attracts devotees from across southern India and symbolises the deep connection between spirituality and conservation. The temple priests belong to the Soliga tribe, who serve as traditional custodians of the forest.
An annual festival called Rathotsava (Chariot Festival) is held in April, drawing thousands of pilgrims. While the influx of visitors poses management challenges, efforts have been made to balance religious activities with ecological preservation through regulated access and awareness programmes.

The Soliga Tribe and Traditional Conservation

The Soligas, an indigenous forest-dwelling tribe, form an integral part of the BRT landscape. Their livelihood and culture are deeply intertwined with the forest ecosystem. Traditionally practising shifting cultivation and non-timber forest product collection, the Soligas have adapted to modern conservation policies through community-based forest management.
After the declaration of the tiger reserve, co-management approaches were developed under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, granting Soliga communities legal rights to reside and sustainably harvest forest produce. Their traditional ecological knowledge contributes significantly to biodiversity monitoring, fire management, and anti-poaching efforts.

Conservation and Management Initiatives

BRT Tiger Reserve operates under the Project Tiger framework, focusing on long-term conservation of the tiger and its prey base. Major initiatives include:

• Habitat Improvement: Removal of invasive species such as Lantana camara and regeneration of native flora.
• Water Conservation: Construction of check dams, desilting ponds, and restoring natural waterholes to support wildlife.
• Anti-Poaching Measures: Deployment of forest guards, anti-poaching camps, and use of camera traps for continuous surveillance.
• Eco-Tourism Regulation: Promoting controlled tourism through designated safaris and interpretation centres while generating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
• Research and Monitoring: Collaboration with scientific organisations for biodiversity studies and ecological monitoring using GIS and camera-trapping methods.

The tiger population in BRT has shown a gradual increase, supported by healthy prey density and effective management strategies.

Challenges and Threats

Despite its ecological richness, the reserve faces several challenges:

• Human–wildlife conflict due to crop depredation and livestock predation.
• Encroachment and habitat fragmentation near buffer zones.
• Tourism pressure during the temple festival and unregulated pilgrim activity.
• Invasive species such as Lantana affecting native vegetation.
• Climate change impacts on rainfall patterns and water availability.

The Karnataka Forest Department continues to address these issues through integrated conservation approaches and community engagement.

Eco-Tourism and Educational Value

BRT Tiger Reserve has emerged as a model for eco-tourism, balancing conservation and community welfare. Visitors can experience jeep safaris, guided treks, and temple visits under regulated conditions. The BRT Interpretation Centre educates tourists about the reserve’s biodiversity, conservation challenges, and the role of indigenous people.
Tourism revenue supports local employment and forest protection initiatives, creating a sustainable relationship between conservation and development.

Significance in Regional and National Context

BRT Tiger Reserve represents an ecological keystone linking two major biogeographic regions. Its protection ensures:

• Maintenance of genetic connectivity between tiger populations.
• Long-term conservation of elephants under Project Elephant.
• Preservation of sacred natural sites and indigenous heritage.
• Contribution to India’s commitments under global biodiversity and climate frameworks.

Recognised as a critical landscape in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve complex, BRT plays a crucial role in ensuring ecological continuity across southern India’s mountainous ecosystems.