Ethnobiology Study: Game in Dayak Lun Dayeh Community at Watershed of Mentarang in Malinau

Abstract

Dayak Lun Dayeh is a local community who lives in East Kalimantan, where they have practiced hunting both in traditional and modern ways. They have particular ways to find hunting spots and use hunting techniques. The research about this community was conducted in watershed of Mentarang, in order to determine the various kinds of games, frequently used hunting locations, and hunting ways of Dayak Lun Dayeh community. This study was carried out at two different times, on May–July 2016 and June–August 2021. Research data were collected through open-ended interviews (assisted by a key informant), field observation and photographic record. Data were presented descriptively by an ethnobiology approach. The results showed that this community practices subsistence hunting of games, which comprised mammals (69.73%), reptiles (14.15%), aves (8%), and amphibians (0.4%). The bush meat obtained from hunting was consumed as a protein source and served as a medium in traditional ceremonies or religious rituals based on ancestral teachings. Games such as Cervus unicolor, Sus barbatus, Muntiacus atherodes could be found easily at abpa' nuvan (salt-lick) rather than at primary forest, swidden (latii), swidden fallow (including amug, jekau and ripa), farm, river, or secondary forest such as the logging roads of former timber companies. Several hunting techniques were applied such as using hunting dogs for tracking the games (gelibut), sieging or waiting (gabang) at a specific location (abpa' nuvan), and setting traps (ton).