Two Tribal Representatives Join Kerala Wildlife Board

Kerala included two tribal representatives in its State Wildlife Board for the first time on 11 August 2026. The board now includes Raman Raja Mannan of the Mannan community and Vinod, a researcher associated with the Cholanaikkan community of Nilambur.

State Wildlife Board in Kerala

The State Wildlife Board functions under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister in Kerala. It is linked with wildlife governance, forest management, and conservation-related decisions in the state.

The inclusion of tribal representatives places indigenous knowledge within a statutory wildlife-related body. The Kerala government linked the move with the use of traditional wisdom in forest management and conservation.

Tribal Communities of Nilambur and Thekkady

The Mannan community and the Cholanaikkan community are indigenous communities of Kerala. Nilambur in Malappuram district is associated with the Cholanaikkan community, while Thekkady in Idukki district is associated with the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Raman Raja Mannan is identified as the Mannan tribal king. Vinod is identified as a researcher representing the Cholanaikkan community.

Oorunarvu and Forest Department Outreach

The announcement was made in Thekkady during Oorunarvu, a Forest Department outreach initiative held at the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The Thekkady interaction was the second session of the programme, after an initial meeting in Nilambur on 23 July 2026.

The initiative was used for interaction with tribal communities and forest officials. The programme was connected with community participation in forest-related administration.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Periyar Tiger Reserve is located in Kerala and is one of India’s well-known tiger reserves.
• Thekkady is a major tourism centre in Idukki district, Kerala.
• Nilambur is known for its forest landscape and tribal settlements in Malappuram district, Kerala.
• State Wildlife Boards are associated with wildlife conservation and policy matters at the state level in India.

Ecotourism and Tribal Welfare Proposals

The Kerala government announced a ₹50-crore ecotourism proposal for submission to the Union Government. The proposal includes a ₹20-crore tiger museum in Thekkady.

The state also planned documentation of traditional tribal knowledge for managing human-wildlife conflict. Officials also mentioned infrastructure needs in tribal hamlets, including roads, streetlights, and drinking water supply.