Kodagu Tribal Leader to Receive Prestigious Wildlife Award for Conservation Work

According to an official release from the HWCF, Mr. Rajappa, who was born in 1965 into the Jenu Kuruba tribe. Photo Courtesy: The Hindu

Bengaluru: The Hulikanu Wildlife Conservancy Foundation (HWCF) in Bengaluru has announced the nomination of J.T. Rajappa, a respected tribal conservationist and community leader based in Kodagu, for the prestigious Hulikanu Progressive Adivasi Wildlife Award.

According to an official release from the HWCF, Mr. Rajappa, who was born in 1965 into the Jenu Kuruba tribe, has spent his life fostering wildlife conservation while advocating for the welfare of forest-dwelling communities in Nagarahole, Karnataka.

Raised in the Malalu Kolli Hadi hamlet, Mr. Rajappa developed a deep connection with the wildlife surrounding him. From 1984 to 1987, he served as a watcher for the Forest Department, where he became acutely aware of the challenges his community faced. His passion for change grew, and in 2005, he was elected to the Virajpet taluk panchayat, where he began implementing initiatives to improve the lives of his people.

Since 2007, Mr. Rajappa has been instrumental in the voluntary relocation of more than 300 tribal families from the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve to better-equipped communities outside the forest.

The HWCF noted that in 2010, he successfully led the relocation of 150 families to Settahalli in Hunsur taluk. His efforts extended beyond relocation, as he served on influential committees, including the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) from 2012 to 2015, and the Mysore District Relocation Committee, where he advocated for policies integrating wildlife conservation with community development.

Upon hearing about the award, Mr. Rajappa expressed his gratitude, stating, “This prestigious award is a timely boost for my work. I am committed to continuing efforts to uplift forest-dwelling communities without compromising wildlife conservation in Nagarahole, promoting voluntary relocation as a win-win solution."

The award, which includes a cash prize of ₹3 lakh, will be presented to Mr. Rajappa later this month.

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