ETHNO-ZOOLOGICAL STUDY OF MEDICINAL USE OF ANIMALS AND THEIR PRODUCTS AMONG THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF KARBI TRIBE OF KARBI ANGLONG, ASSAM, INDIA

Abstract

Bio-resources, both flora and fauna, are integral part of the indigenous healing practices used by human beings since prehistoric time. The traditional knowledge of the use of bio-resources for medicine has a significant contribution for maintaining the human health. Traditional medicine is not only a source of healing, but the practice is also an important part of their religion and culture. The study was carried out to survey and document the traditional knowledge related to medicinal uses of animals and their products among the ethnic groups of Karbi peoples. Data were collected using prepared questionnaires, personal interviews, and group discussions with the ethnic people of the tribe. A total of 42 animal species were identified to treat around 35 different ailments. Of the animals used therapeutically, 14 species were insects, 2 annelids, 1 gastropod, 2 arachnids, 2 amphibia, 4 were aves, 3 fishes, 4 were reptiles and 12 were mammals.Furthermore, the honey of the bee (Apis mellifera) was used to relieve many ailments and scored the highest fidelity value (FL=93.0%). However Rana sp. (FL=12.9%) and Oecphylla smaragdina (FL=15.7%) has the lowest fidelity level. The result shows that there is a wealth of ethnozoological knowledge if documented can be used in developing new drugs. Hence, it is hoped that the information contained in this paper will be useful in future ethno-zoological, ethnopharmacological, and conservation related research in the region.