Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are communities identified by the Government of India as being particularly disadvantaged and at risk of extinction due to their low population, isolation, and socio-economic conditions. The PVTGs are a subset of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and are given special attention for their protection and development.

1. Great Andamanese

  • Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • Population: Very small population, primarily living on Strait Island.
  • Characteristics: Traditionally hunter-gatherers; their numbers have dwindled significantly due to diseases and loss of habitat.

2. Onge

  • Location: Little Andaman Island
  • Population: Approximately 100-150 individuals.
  • Characteristics: Semi-nomadic, relying on fishing and gathering; face challenges due to modernization.

3. Jarawa

  • Location: Andaman Islands
  • Population: About 400-500 individuals.
  • Characteristics: Primarily forest dwellers, depending on hunting and gathering; their habitat is threatened by deforestation.

4. Sentinelese

  • Location: North Sentinel Island, Andaman Islands
  • Population: Estimated 50-400 individuals.
  • Characteristics: One of the last uncontacted peoples in the world; highly isolated, with little to no contact with outsiders.

5. Shompens

  • Location: Great Nicobar Island
  • Population: About 200 individuals.
  • Characteristics: Primarily a hunter-gatherer community; face threats from outside influences and habitat loss.

6. Toda

  • Location: Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu
  • Population: Approximately 1,500 individuals.
  • Characteristics: Pastoralists known for their distinct culture and handicrafts; they practice traditional agriculture.

7. Kadar

  • Location: Kerala
  • Population: About 1,000 individuals.
  • Characteristics: Primarily forest dwellers, they depend on agriculture and collection of forest produce.

8. Paliyan

  • Location: Tamil Nadu
  • Population: Approximately 1,200 individuals.
  • Characteristics: Traditionally hunter-gatherers and shifting cultivators, facing socio-economic challenges.

9. Cholanaickan

  • Location: Kerala
  • Population: About 300 individuals.
  • Characteristics: A forest-dwelling tribe known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle; they are highly vulnerable to environmental changes.

10. Mudhuguraja

  • Location: Andhra Pradesh
  • Population: Small community facing severe socio-economic challenges.
  • Characteristics: Traditionally engaged in agricultural activities, they require special attention for their upliftment.

11. Birhor

  • Location: Jharkhand, Odisha
  • Population: About 1,000 individuals.
  • Characteristics: Traditionally a hunter-gatherer community, they have been shifting towards settled agriculture.

12. Mankidia

  • Location: Odisha
  • Population: Approximately 1,500 individuals.
  • Characteristics: Traditionally hunters and gatherers, they are increasingly facing challenges due to land encroachment.

13. Puchikottai

  • Location: Tamil Nadu
  • Population: Small community with limited population.
  • Characteristics: Primarily engaged in agriculture; they face socio-economic vulnerabilities.

14. Kharia

  • Location: Jharkhand, Odisha
  • Population: About 200,000 individuals.
  • Characteristics: Traditionally a hunter-gatherer tribe, they are now engaged in shifting cultivation and agriculture.

15. Sauria Paharia

  • Location: Jharkhand
  • Population: Approximately 6,000 individuals.
  • Characteristics: Semi-nomadic, they depend on agriculture and forest produce for their livelihood.

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