Resourcefulness of Konda Reddi’s Tribe's Knowledge

• 05 Apr 2024

Source: TH

Recently, forest officials learnt that the bark of an Indian laurel tree or Indian Silver Oak (Ficus microcarpa) stores water, particularly in the summer, as claimed by the Konda Reddi tribe.

• The Indian laurel tree is native to Southeast Asia and regions of India, it thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. A glossy, dark green-leaved evergreen tree, its latex sap is used in making rubber products.
• Konda Reddi tribe is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group inhabiting the Papikonda hill range (Andhra Pradesh) in the Godavari region. Their mother tongue is Telugu with a unique accent.
• Papikonda National Park (PNP) was declared a reserved forest in 1882, a wildlife sanctuary in 1978, and a national park in 2008.
  • PNP has moist deciduous forests and includes animal species such as tigers, mouse deer, gaur etc.

Read more: Bills to Include PVTGs to ST List in Odisha and AP, Empowering the Tribal Society.