Bera: The village where leopards live peacefully with humans

In a world where human-animal conflicts are rising daily, a village in Rajasthan’s Aravalli Hills has a notable population of leopards who peacefully coexist with humans. Bera in the Pali district is also called the Leopard Village of India because these animals don’t harm people and survive on wild prey and livestock. 

Bera is part of the Jawai Leopard Conservation Zone. The area has around 50 to 60 leopards and the sightings are common. 

There hasn't been a poaching incident in over five decades, underscoring the mutual respect between leopards and humans here.

The leopard-friendly terrain

The village’s rocky landscape, with its caves and crevices, offers ideal shelter, while plentiful prey sustains the leopard population. The village is home to hyenas, desert foxes, and various prey species. 

The leopards play a crucial role in their local ecosystem by regulating the populations of prey such as deer and wild boar who can otherwise destroy crops. 

The unique man-leopard harmony stems from this rocky terrain, which provides natural hideouts and abundant prey, crucial for the leopards' thriving presence without significant conflict.

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Bera’s rock-cut shrines nestled along ridges, caves, and rock chambers also work as dens for big cats due to their cross-ventilation. Locals who go to worship in temples frequently see them but none attack each other. 

The Rabaris and Leopards

The villagers, predominantly from the Rabari tribe, have historically shared their habitat with leopards. The Rabaris are a nomadic community of shepherds and herders who consider leopards to be the guardians of their local deity. 

The Rabaris are devotees of Lord Shiva and view any livestock killings by leopards as offerings to their god. 

This cultural perspective contrasts with the brutal treatment of leopards seen in other parts of India despite Shiva's significant role in Hinduism.

Also Read: How two tribes in Kutch are conserving endangered swimming camels

Known locally as the Jawai leopards, named after the Jawai River dam constructed in 1957, these big cats roam freely in the area. The dam is a vital water source for surrounding communities and supports diverse wildlife.

Each leopard in Jawai is known by name within the local community. 

State compensation is available for livestock losses due to leopard encounters. However, villagers often don’t claim it due to lengthy official procedures. 

Due to the area's uniqueness, there has been a surge in tourism, with many locals starting homestays and resorts over the years. Once a niche destination known only to dedicated wildlife enthusiasts, social media has brought a widespread name to the region, leading to a surge of tourists on weekends and holidays. 

The growing popularity of Bera and Jawai poses both benefits and challenges. Sustainable tourism practices are crucial for conserving the leopards and their habitat. Tourists should support the local economy and raise awareness about the area by patronizing local businesses and prioritizing quality and conservation efforts.

Also Read: How Maldharis & Rojamdars live with Asiatic lions in Gir forest and help in conservation

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