3.Bagatas

Why in the news?

• Bagata tribal people who worked for Lower Sileru Hydro-Electric Project construction continue to reel under darkness even as they fight on the back foot, for electricity.

About Bagatas: 

• They cite the historic origin of their community name as the devoted warriors (Bhaktas) of the then rulers.
• They are also called Bagatha, Bagat, Bagodi, Bogad or Bhakta.
• They live in the states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
• Dhimsa is one of the dances and Bagata tribes of all ages enjoy energetic dancing, and all ages take part. The dances of the Bagata are called Sankidi Kelbar.
• Nuclear families are commonly found in their society. 
• They prefer cross-cousin marriage and consider marriage by negotiation as the ideal type of matrimony.
• They speak with one another in a form of the Oriya language. One of their main languages is Telugu. Their local dialect is Adivasi Oriya.
• They have undertaken the profession of farming in order to sustain the requirements of their day-to-day living. 
• They worship Hindu gods and goddesses in addition to their family and tribal gods.

4.Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Why in the news?

• Wildlife photographer stumbles upon rare heterochromic leopard in Karnataka’s Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
• Heterochromia is a genetic condition where the pigmentation of each eye is different.
• Heterochromia is more commonly observed in domestic animals such as cats and dogs, and occasionally in humans. However, the occurrence of this mutation in a wild leopard is almost unheard of, making this discovery all the more significant.

About Bandipur Tiger Reserve:

• It is situated in two contiguous districts (Mysore and Chamarajanagar) of Karnataka and located at the tri-junction area of the States of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Geographically, it is an “ecological confluence” of the Western and Eastern Ghats.
• It was once a hunting ground for the rulers of the neighbouring kingdom of Mysore.
• It was established in the year 1931 as Venugopala Wildlife Park by the Maharaja of Mysore.
• It was then expanded with the name Bandipur Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973.
• It is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• It is surrounded by:
  • Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) in the north west (Kabini Reservoir separates the two).
  • Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) in the south.
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) in the south west.
• It is surrounded by River Kabini in its north and River Moyar in its south.
• It has a typical tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
• Flora:
  • It comprises diverse vegetation of dry deciduous to tropical mixed deciduous.
  • It includes rosewood, Indian kino tree, sandalwood, Indian laurel, clumping bamboo and giant clumping bamboo etc.
• Fauna:
  • It is a shelter for the largest population of wild Asian elephants in South Asia. 
  • It comprises other mammals such as Bengal tiger, gaur, sloth bear, golden jackal, dhole and four-horned antelope etc.

5.Indian siris tree

Why in the news?

• A pall of gloom descended on Kumaradevam, on the western bank of Akhanda Godavari in the East Godavari district, after the death of the century-old Indian siris tree.  

About Indian siris tree:

• Its scientific name is Albizzia Lebbeck.
• It is commonly known as the woman's tongue tree.
• It is a fast-growing, deciduous tree. 
• It is widely cultivated for its timber, shade, and ornamental purposes. 
• Flowering typically occurs during the dry season, from February to April in many regions.
• Leaves start to shed during the late winter and early spring months.
• It is adaptable and can grow in a wide range of habitats, from arid regions to moist forests.
• It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
• It has nitrogen-fixing capabilities, which enhance soil fertility.
• It provides shade and serves as a host plant for various insect species.
• It is native to South Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent. It has been widely cultivated and naturalized in other parts of the world due to its valuable qualities.
• It has been introduced and naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.
• Characteristics:
  • It is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of up to 30 meters.
  • It has a spreading crown with a diameter of about 10-15 meters.
  • Its bark is grayish-brown and rough.
  • Its leaves are bipinnate, with small leaflets arranged in pairs along the branches.
  • Its flowers are yellowish-white and fragrant, arranged in clusters.
  • Its fruit is a flat pod that contains several seeds.