Ethnozoological Diversity of Northeast India: Empirical Learning with Traditional Knowledge Holders of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh

18-30Northeast India harbors rich floral and faunal biodiversity. In their co-existence with the surrounding faunal resources, the native communities of the region have accumulated a rich body of ethno-zoological knowledge, which is now threatened due to globalization and other forces. In view of the importance of Ethnozoological resources in food, medicine and health, it has investigated and documented the vanishing Ethnozoological knowledge from different tribal communities of Arunachal and Mizoram. A field survey was made to collect primary source data. Further, secondary data were gathered through available literature and on-line sources. The primary data were documented through personal interviews using open-ended questions and group discussions with the experienced elderly people. A total of 39 aquatic and terrestrial species being used by Adi tribal peoples of East Siang district as food, medicine and/or for spiritual and cultural purposes were documented. We recorded Ethnozoological information from communities of Mizoram state on a total of 48 faunal species, of which 35 were reported to be used commonly for ethno-medical purposes, to treat coughs, asthma, tuberculosis, paralysis, earache, weakness, muscular pain, malarial fever, convulsion, diabetes, etc. We found that the Ethnozoological knowledge among young M<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic">izo tribal members, as well as younger Adi tribal members, was less than that of the older people in these communities. This information is still preliminary, and further scientific validation is required for a more complete understanding of the dynamics of these knowledge systems, their role in supporting human welfare is undeniable. Based on these findings, it is concluded that there is ample scope for collection, compilation and exploration of the bio-efficacy of ethnofaunal diversity in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, and sustainable conservation of species used in ethnomedicines and food systems must be ensured. </span