Bhubaneswar, Nov. 21: The traditional tribal people of Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary relate themselves to mythological ‘Sabar’ community or descendants of Viswabashu — the ‘Sabar’ king.

The latter was worshipping Lord Nilamadhav who later appeared at Puri as Lord Jagannath. They relate to their descendants in nearby Kantilo (30km from the core area of the forest), where Lord Nilamadhav was first worshipped.

Some anthropologists and locals refer the tribals as ‘Mahajani Kondh’ and ‘Zamindar Kondh’. But traditionally they are maintaining their old world links and conservation of the entire region was the result of their respect for the ‘sacred grooves’.

The ‘sacred grooves’ are meant to worship a goddess around which dense patches of forest land develop. The forest land also provide a shelter for wild animals.

Besides conserving the forests, the locals are using various medicinal plants to treat common ailments. Divisional forest officer (DFO) of Nayagarh, Laxmi Narayan Behera said, “From Charichhak Square one has to take the route of NH-224 and travel 25km to reach Kusanga from where the Sanctuary begins.

“There are two forest rest houses, one at Kuanria and another at Chhamundia with two suites each. There are five eco-development committees to help the visitors in the forest areas. More than 3,500 visitors visited the sanctuary last year though the number of foreign nationals were very less,’’ Behera said.

“There are two rocks-‘Sapa Pathara’ (Oriya name for reptiles), shaped like a snake and ‘Bichar Pathara’ famous for their names and local connections. The ‘Bichar Pathara’ or ‘meeting point stone’ was named after the tribal leaders to rebel against the rulers of Sala Bhanja dynasty of Daspallah princely state.

A beautiful pond which is full with lotus plants named as ‘Padmatola’ in Oriya adds to the scenic beauty. A lotus pond amidst deep forests is a rare site,’’ the DFO informed.

Local social service activist Prafulla Mishra said, “Apart from the mythologies, another village named Kuturi is famous for worshipping wild boars. They respect the animal as it represents an incarnation of Lord Vishnu according to ‘Dasavataar’. Elephants, bisons and leopards are common, but presence of a large population of king cobra is also an inter- esting site.’’

“The forests are loved by the migrating elephants due to availability of bamboo is there among the rich Sal forests. More than seven tubers are consumed by the tribals as staple diet. The collection of many mushrooms also indicate about the range of its floral diversity,’’ Mishra informed.

“Baisipalli is at the beginning point of the Satkosia Gorge. There are three hill ranges — Manibhadra, Tungabhadra and Kushabhadra. While Tungabhadra is known as a sacred place for Lord Shiva, ‘Kala Pata’ is famous for a deity on Manibhadra range. Tribals have their deities in their sacred groves. The most popular deity is ‘Batapanthei’. Locals believe that if one pays respect to the deity while beginning a work, the reward is always positive,’’ the activist added.

“Traditionally, the locals are still worshipping the hill ranges ‘Giri Gobardhan Puja’ as tribals think that by paying homage to the hill ranges they can get adequate rains through a divine intervention,’’ Mishra said.

“Baisipalli is known as the gateway to the Eastern Ghats. The entry points to this sanctuary are at Takera (near Daspalla), Chamundia (60km from Nayagarh) and Kusanga (60 km from Boudh). The suitable period for visit is from October to March as during rainy season the forest roads become difficult even for trekking. There are no perennial reservoirs, canals, and other types of wetlands inside the sanctuary except two prominent nullahs — Khalkhala and Chilipathar nala or Langalkhol nala. There are number of streams but they don’t carry water during the dry spells,’’ said ecologist Prasad Dash from Vasundhara.

“Flora is dominated by Sal and its associate varieties. There are major carnivorous animals such as tigers and leopards. Other animals include bison, jungle cat, civet cat, fishing cat, leopard cat, mongoose, wolf, jackal, hyena, wild dogs, sloth bear and fox.

“Herbivorous animals such as langur, chousingha, sambar, chital, mouse deer, barking deer, wild boar, nilgais, fruit bats, and rodents like Malabar giant squirrels, flying squirrels are common. Due to availability of a safe elephant corridor a migratory population of elephants is also seen. Crocodiles like gharial and mugger are visible,’’ he said.

“The Sanctuary is famous for bird watchers as the avifaunal diversity is very rich. Apart from the monitor lizard and chameleon, snakes like king cobras are quite common in the area. Spectacle cobra, rock python, vipers, kraits, vine snakes, blind snakes, common bronze back and keel back and cat snakes are also found,’’ according to Vasundhara.

According to a survey a plant named Cycas spherica (locally known as Aragha), is identified with Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary and it has become a staple food for the locals. But since last few years the population of this plant has been decreasing due to unsustainable harvesting.

“There should be some special efforts to work on conserving certain species of plants in Baisipalli in collaboration with the local people,’’ Dash said.