What is Soliga Ecarinata?

About Soliga Ecarinata:

• The Soliga ecarinata is a new wasp that belongs to the subfamily Metopiinae of the Darwin wasp’s family Ichneumonidae. 
• These are seen only in the Palaearctic region, Neotropical and Nearctic regions. 
• This is the second genus of this subfamily reported from India and the first from South India.
• Scientists have named this wasp after the Soliga community.

Who are Soligas?

• Soligas are an indigenous tribe of Karnataka, inhabiting the peripheral forest areas near Biligiri Rangana Hills and Male Mahadeshwara in the Chamarajnagar district of Karnataka.
• The Soligas were dependent on hunting and shifting agriculture traditionally. 
• They are the first tribal community living inside the core area of a tiger reserve in India to get their forest rights officially recognised by a court of law.

Key facts about the Biligiri Rangan Hills

• It is located northwest of the Western Ghats and on the westernmost edge of the Eastern Ghats.
• The unique geographical positioning and diversity of habitats make BRT one of the richest areas for biodiversity in India.
• The Kapila and Cauvery Rivers flow through these hills. 

Q1) What is the Palaearctic region?

The Palearctic region encompasses Eurasia, including Europe, northern Africa, and Asia north of the Oriental region.

Source: A new genus of wasp named after the Soliga community in Karnataka

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