The Jarawas are one of the oldest indigenous communities of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They traditionally inhabit the western coast and interior forests of South and Middle Andaman. Their way of life is closely connected with forests, hunting, gathering, fishing and their traditional knowledge of the natural environment. However, increasing outside intervention has created serious threats to their survival, culture and social identity. One of the major threats to the Jarawas is the loss and disturbance of their traditional habitat. Expansion of roads, settlements, tourism and other developmental activities has brought outsiders into areas traditionally occupied by the tribe. The construction and use of the Andaman Trunk Road through their territory has particularly increased contact between the Jarawas and the outside population. Such disturbances restrict their traditional movements and affect their access to forest resources. Uncontrolled contact with outsiders is another serious threat. The Jarawas historically lived in relative isolation, and their population has limited immunity to many diseases common among outside populations. Contact with outsiders can expose them to respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases and other illnesses. Even a relatively ordinary disease for the general population can have severe consequences for