Why is it in the news?

• The Koya tribe in Andhra Pradesh is making efforts to conserve the Indian Bison by transitioning from using traditional bison horns to palm leaves for crafting their traditional flute, known as Permakore.

Key Features of Koya Tribe

• Found in the Papikonda hill range near the Godavari and Sabari rivers in Andhra Pradesh.
• Second-largest tribal community in Telangana.
• Commonly refer to themselves as Dorala Sattam (Lords group) and Putta Dora (Original lords).
• Speak Telugu and Koya language (Koyi).
• Engaged in shifting cultivation historically, but now practicing settled cultivation of crops like Jowar, Ragi, Bajra, and other millets.
• Also involved in hunting and foraging.
• Worship many female deities, with the most important being the “mother earth.”
• Also worship Hindu gods like Lord Bhima, Korra Rajulu, Mamili, and Potaraju.
• Celebrate Medaram Jathara, the second-largest fair in India after the Kumbh Mela, and the largest tribal festival in Asia.
• Other festivals include Vijji Pandum, Kondala Kolupu, and Bhumi Panduga.
• Practice Permakok ata, also known as the Bison Horn Dance, during festivals and marriage ceremonies.