A Study of the Hakki-Pikki Tribal Community in Shivamogga and Davanagere Districts, Karnataka

The Hakki-Pikki are a semi-nomadic tribal community primarily concentrated in Shivamogga, Davanagere, and Mysuru districts of Karnataka, historically known for bird-catching, hunting, and forest-based subsistence. This study examines the contemporary socio-economic conditions, cultural practices, and livelihood transformations of the Hakki-Pikki community in Shivamogga and Davanagere districts. Using mixed methods including household surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary data analysis, the research documents persistent marginalization characterized by poverty, low educational attainment, inadequate housing, and health challenges. The study reveals that legal restrictions under the Wildlife Protection Act and forest conservation policies have fundamentally disrupted traditional livelihoods while alternative economic opportunities remain limited. Despite these challenges, the community retains substantial ethnobotanical knowledge and has begun adapting through small-scale entrepreneurship, particularly in herbal product sales. The Vaagri language faces endangerment as younger generations increasingly adopt Kannada. Findings suggest that sustainable development interventions must prioritize community-led livelihood diversification, formal recognition of indigenous knowledge systems, language preservation initiatives, and participatory policy frameworks that respect cultural identity while addressing economic vulnerabilities.