- Kanikkaran are a tribal community found in the southern parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu states.
- According to 2011 census there are 24,000 Kanikkars, dwelling in forests or near to forests in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam in Kerala, and Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts in Tamil Nadu.
- Though they cultivate everything and make agriculture as the main profession, they have a special liking for fishing and hunting.
- Kaanikkar Nritham is a form of group dance performed as a rural offering.
- The Kanikkars are semi-nomadic, living in temporary huts of bamboo and reeds. These are generally situated on hillsides.
- Previously they practiced slash-and-burn cultivation, but this was banned in the late 19th century.
- The community also collects minor forest produce, especially honey.
- The Kanikkars climb ropes at the base of cliffs where nests are located, and collect honey and put it in baskets.
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