Biodiversity, Native Domestic Animals, and Livelihood in Monsoon Asia: Pig Pastoralism in the Bengal Delta of Bangladesh

Abstract

Geographers study our interactions with other living creatures. Here, life can be classed into three categories by the degree of human-creature interaction: wild animals and plants; domestic animals and cultivated plants bred for food; and pets and houseplants, kept for cultural reasons. We have to find ways to live with creatures and maintain earth’s biodiversity. Modern society often promotes the protection of wild animals and plants and wilderness biodiversity, but neglects the diversity of indigenous domestic animals. Some localized domestic animals are faced with extinction. Should we maintain the genetic and cultural diversity of domestic animals? The cultural and biological diversity of farm animals from dry lands is well documented, but little attention has been paid to domestic animals from wet environments; for example, Monsoon Asia. For this reason, I chose to study pig farming in the Bengal delta of Bangladesh. Pig farming in this area uses the natural resources of the delta and local breeds of pigs in a nomadic pastoral farming system. The results of my study illustrate the use and management of farm animals in a complex environment, and increase our understanding of human-farm-animal interaction and the ‘geography of creature cultures’. The study provides lessons for the future of our culture and civilization.