The region lies on a high plateau at an altitude of up to 2600 metres and is bordered by dense tropical forest. The remote location and difficult climatic conditions have transformed this area into a kind of natural biological island that has been able to maintain its seclusion for centuries. The Kurumba language is still spoken by an estimated 4,900 people. Within India, the area stretches across three states with three different languages and three different school systems, creating a precarious situation for the Kurumba. The trend towards wildlife tourism is also proving to be a further threat to both the people and the ecosystem. (Source: http://www.kooperation-international.de/indien/geistes-und-sozialwiss/info/detail/data/42305/?PHPSESSID=ccee5d58af4196810779567d17114706) 3 young girls with partly matted hair, in poor clothing, sit on the ground or lean against a barrel while supporting themselves on a pole.