Abstract

ANIMALS AND ITS PRODUCT USED AS ZOOTHERAPY BY THE BORO TRIBE OF DHEMAJI DISTRICT, ASSAM

Citumoni Gogoi* and Mridusmita Bora

ABSTRACT

Indigenous knowledge of ethno-zoological practice is prevalent among the tribal community, who are directly or indirectly in touch with the nature due to their dependence for basic needs and for curing ailments. This knowledge is transferred from our elders or from one person to another through folklore or through experiences from time immemorial. Present study documents the rich knowledge of using invertebrates and vertebrates and their derived products as medicinal remedies in treating many ailments by the Bodo tribe of the Dhemaji district of Assam. It is an ardent need to explore and preserve the faunal species within our biodiversity and to keep the rich tradition alive. Ethno-zoology study gives a scope for sustainable management of the species as well as conservation of natural resources within its habitat which are considered rare or endangered and will be a new conceptualisation of an alternative discovery of medicines. A field study was carried out from December 2019 to February 2021 in the Bodo villages which were situated in the remote areas, by performing semi-structured questionnaires, personal interviews and group discussion. A total of 60 individuals were interviewed who provided the use of animal as medicines, local names, preparation of doses etc. The study recorded a total of 27 animal species in alleviating health related problems including asthma, chicken and small pox, urine problem, fever, weakness, joint pain etc. Insects and mammals occupied the highest number of animals (28%), followed by amphibian and aves (12%), annelid and reptiles (8%) and pisces (4%). The present study gives a scope for sustainable management of the species as well as conservation of natural resources within its habitat which are considered rare or endangered and will be a new conceptualisation of an alternative discovery of medicines.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Bodo tribe, Ethno-zoology, Indigenous.