Unfolding the ’Raakhan Raan’ a Livelihood Based Conservation Tradition of Tribals around Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary

Degraded and overgrazed grasslands and meadows is a critical issue affecting productivity of open grazed animals. Traditional forest dwelling communities are knouin to conserve their surrounding biodiversity, mostly with cultural perspectives and this indirectly preserve the resources for future generations. Fakhan Raans are privately owned grass sanctuaries which are protected from open grazing and other disturbances like ores and harvested sustainably. This is the first study of this tradition unique to the Western Ghats. A surv‹nJ mas conducted in 13 hamlets belonging to 11 village panchayats in Akole taluka of Maharashtra. Duffy structured intervieuis mere conducted in all households of selected hamlets in a door-to-door manner. Using a detailed questionnaire we collected data on livestock, raakhan ran holdings and changes within f«s/ decade. The tradition is not unique to a particular community. lt is a sus/oinflhfe practice considering that grass is harvested after seed dispersal and some areas are lefl unharvested. The Raakhan Rans have been reducing over the last decade, though still maintained by large headers for fodder security. Special eJorfs are required to conserve the tradition and link it to the protection of grassland biodiversity and dependent livelihoods.