NGJI, An International Peer-Reviewed Journal NGSI-BHU, ISSN: 0027-9374/2020/1730 Vol. 66, No. 1, March 2020

Population Status and Conservation Efforts of Bos frontalis (Mithun) in Adi Tribe Inhabited Areas of ,

Nayo Apum1, Gibji Nimasow2, Oyi Dai Nimasow3, Tashi Dorjee Bapu4 and Dhoni Bushi5 1Assistant Professor, Government Degree College, Jemi Notko, , Arunachal Pradesh 2Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, 3Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh 4Research Scholar, Department of Geography, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh 5Research Scholar, Department of Geography, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh (Corresponding author's email: [email protected])

Abstract Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a semi-wild animal which is highly priced among the tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh. This rare livestock is facing threats of extinction. In this paper, attempt has been made to know the population status and the prevailing conservation efforts of Mithun in the area. A questionnaire-based survey was carried out covering the households possessing Mithuns. The study found a good number of Mithuns in the area. However, a declining population trend was observed due to its multiple uses in social, economic, cultural and political life of the people. As it is associated with their culture, there is a rising concern among the people for its conservation. Conservation initiatives by the Adi Baane Kebang, Adi Cultural and Literary Society and Adi Students Union have been discussed and interpreted. Finally, constructive suggestions have been made for ensuring future sustainability of the species. Keywords: Mithun, socio-cultural significance, population status, extinction, threat, conservation Introduction

The Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a semi-wild 49,000 (83.48%) are found in Arunachal animal which is distributed in South and South- Pradesh (Livestock Census of India, 2012). In east Asian countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, the highest population of Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Mithun was recorded in Lower Subansiri some regions of China mainly in subtropical district with 31,262 and the lowest in Upper evergreen forests. In India, it is found in with 1,735. Mithun is a Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, rare livestock that is facing threat of extinction. Mizoram and Jammu and Kashmir. India has 2, Domestication of Mithun is reported to be since 98,264 population of Mithun, of which 2, more than 8,000 years (Das et al., 2008). The 60 Nayo Apum, Gibji Nimasow, Oyi Dai Nimasow, Tashi Dorjee Bapu and Dhoni Bushi origin of Mithun remained unsolved however it participant observation, group discussions is considered as the hybrid descendent of wild were made to record their views on importance gaur and domestic cattle (Payne, 1970). Mithun and need for conservation of Mithuns. Audio- is also believed to derive its ancestry from wild visual tools like cameras and tape recorders gaur (Simoons, 1984) and Indian bison were also used to collect the reliable (Rajkhowa et al., 2004). The tribes of information and visual appreciation. The Arunachal Pradesh have their own myths on its information of total population, sex origin. The tribal communities who possess the composition, fertility and mortality of Mithun Mithun are considered to be a sign of prosperity collected through the survey has been in the society (Shisode et al., 2009). Mithun is analyzed, interpreted and represented by deeply rooted in the culture of the people and suitable tables and maps. plays an important role in the society due to its Study area inherent socio-cultural and economic The study area comprises of the four dynamism. Mithun is regarded as a symbol of central districts of Arunachal Pradesh which prestige and used as a medium of exchange, a are inhabited by Adi tribe viz. West Siang, East means of settling disputes, and as a bride price Siang, Upper Siang and 3 (three) circles of (Apum and Nimasow, 2015). However, in the Lower Dibang Valley district. It has a total recent years, the uses of Mithun in the state is geographical area of 22,418 km² and located in found to be largely commercial than cultural. between 27˚ 32’ N to 29˚ 20’ N latitudes and 93˚ The uncountable killings of Mithuns during 56’ E to 95˚ 45’ E longitudes (Figure 1). Siang marriages have drastically reduced their and Dibang are the major rivers in the study population in the recent decades (Moyong, area. The total population of the area was 2, 2012). In the back drop of above, an attempt has 71,864 as per Census of India, 2011. been made in this paper to investigate the Results and discussion population status and conservation efforts of Origin, uses and importance of Mithun Mithun in the study area. Mithun is considered to have originated on Data sources and methodology the Assam-Burma border; however, it is not The information was collected from certain when they were domesticated. It has both published and unpublished works also been postulated by some workers that available in various government agencies, Mithun has resulted from a cross between wild newspapers, books, journals and magazines. gaur and domestic cattle with Bos javanicus Data published by the Government of blood, or Bos indicus in ancient times (Gupta et Arunachal Pradesh like Directorate of al., 2009). There are two major hypotheses on Research, Department of Animal Husbandry, the origin of the mithun: (i) they were directly State Library, etc. are major sources of the domesticated from wild gaur (Simoons, 1984) information. A detailed survey was carried out and (ii) they were a hybrid descendant from by filling up interview schedules. About 10,000 crossing of wild gaur and domestic cattle, households of 150 villages who were either B. indicus or B. taurus (Payne, 1970). reportedly possessing Mithuns during the The practice of hybridization with cattle period of survey were interviewed to derive the complicates the understanding of the information (total, male, female, number of domestication, origin and definition of Mithun. births and deaths during last one year) of The coat color of adult Mithun is mostly dark Mithun. Besides, personal interviews, brown to black with white-stockinged legs Population Status and Conservation Efforts of Bos frontalis (Mithun) in Adi ... 61

Figure 1: Location of the study area in Arunachal Pradesh Source: Generated from the political boundary map of Arunachal Pradesh using ILWIS 3.4. similar to wild gaur; however, some animals and mostly left open in jungle, especially have white patches and a few lack the stocking during summer season. Therefore, it is difficult pattern (Figure 3). The Mithun has a pride to count their number accurately. As per the possession symbolizing wealth, power, and field survey, the total population of Mithun was status (rich and poor) in the society. It is a 21,988 with 8,980 male and 13,008 female. An medium of exchange in the form of trade uneven distribution and higher number of between the tribes. The universality of Mithun Mithuns with increase in altitude has been as an important animal in their socio-cultural observed in the study area. Out of the total life has earned the status of state animal. Today, population of 21, 988 about 45% (9,886) were the cost of Mithun ranges from Rs. 15,000 to found in Upper Siang followed by 28% (6,179) 60,000 but it varies from tribe to tribe. in West Siang, 26.90% (5,914) in East Siang Population characteristics and 0.04% (09) in Lower Dibang Valley district Mithun is found in almost all the districts of (Table 1; Figure 2). The higher population in Arunachal Pradesh. It is a semi-wild animal these districts may be attributed to vast stretch 62 Nayo Apum, Gibji Nimasow, Oyi Dai Nimasow, Tashi Dorjee Bapu and Dhoni Bushi

Figure 3: A female Mithun (Bos frontalis) in her natural habitat. of land, hilly mountainous area, moderate when it loses fertility. climate, fodder availability, water sources, salt Fertility rate lick spots and socio-cultural significance. The general fertility trend has been Lower Dibang Valley district recorded only 9 calculated as number of Mithun births per Mithuns probably due to the unsuitable habitat. respondent during last one year. As per the field The Adi inhabited circles of Lower Dibang survey, a total of 6,458 of Mithun births have Valley are more or less plain and thus, people been recorded. Upper recorded prefer cultivation of crops over Mithun rearing the highest births with 2,673 followed by West as it is more remunerative. Further, the younger Siang with 1,911, East Siang with 1,871 and generations are less interested in strenuous task Lower Dibang Valley with only 3. The numbers of Mithun rearing. However, the Idu Mishmi of female births were more in all the districts tribes who inhabit the northern part or higher except East Siang. The highest birth of 703 with altitude zones rear large number of Mithuns. 351 male and 352 female was recorded in The survey reveals higher female Mariyang + Mopum circle of Upper Siang population than the males with a ratio of almost district (Table 2). 60:40 due to unchecked killing of male Mithuns Mortality rate in various social, economic, cultural and The mortality has been also recorded as political activities. It was reported that the number of Mithun deaths per respondent female Mithuns are killed only during the during last one year. The deaths caused by Solung festival and after attaining old age or natural factors like disease, wildlife predation, Population Status and Conservation Efforts of Bos frontalis (Mithun) in Adi ... 63 Table 1: Distribution of Mithun in the study area

Source: Field survey, 2013 – 2014.

Figure 2: Distribution of Mithun in the study area Source: Generated from the map prepared by State Remote Sensing Application Centre, Arunachal Pradesh using ILWIS 3.4. 64 Nayo Apum, Gibji Nimasow, Oyi Dai Nimasow, Tashi Dorjee Bapu and Dhoni Bushi Table 2: Fertility rate of Mithuns

Source: Field survey, 2013 – 2014. accidental death, weakness, old age, plant Mithun in various socio-cultural and political poisoning, etc. have been taken into account. activities as such killings are purpose-oriented. The study does not include the killings of According to the survey, the total mortality of Population Status and Conservation Efforts of Bos frontalis (Mithun) in Adi ... 65 Mithun due to natural causes in Adi inhabited home to different wildlife predators like tiger, areas was 544. reported leopard, bear, jackal, wolf, fox, wildcat, snake, the highest number of deaths with 241 followed eagle and blood sucking insects leading to by East Siang with 227 and West Siang with 76. maximum causes of Mithun mortality. The The wildlife predation emerged as the main incidence of diseases also causes large number causes of the deaths with 222 followed by of deaths due to inaccessibility and diseases with 175, accidents with 141 and unavailability of veterinary services in time. others with 6 (Table 3). The dense forests are The ethno-veterinary practices of people forms Table 3: Mortality of Mithun due to natural causes

Source: Field survey, 2013 – 2014. 66 Nayo Apum, Gibji Nimasow, Oyi Dai Nimasow, Tashi Dorjee Bapu and Dhoni Bushi the only option for controlling the diseases of organization has restricted the limitless killing / Mithun in these remote areas. The Mithun sacrifices of Mithun during various socio- deaths caused by accidents were mostly cultural occasions. The respondents of Upper reported from the hilly and mountainous areas Siang district revealed that the ABK has due to the steepness of slopes. Most of such restricted the sacrifices of Mithun during cases have been reported from the salt lick marriages to maximum of 5 (five) numbers, spots located in steep slopes. which was limitless in the past. Also the Conservation efforts villagers of reported that the Mithun which has become vulnerable in sacrifices of Mithun during marriages have the recent days due to various socio-cultural been further restricted to a minimum of 1 in and economic factors has to be protected and compared to 4 – 5 sacrifices. Such efforts of the conserved for the ecosystem balance. ABK have larger role to play in the Conservation is positive, embracing conservation and sustainable use of Mithun in preservation, maintenance, sustainable the Adi inhabited areas in particular and the utilization, restoration and enhancement of the state of Arunachal Pradesh in general. natural environment (International Union for Mithun rearing involves hard work and the Conservation of Nature and Natural proper care, that’s why Mithun is reared by Resources, 1980). Those animals should be experienced, hardworking and caring people. conserved or protected which are of economic The Department of Animal Husbandry and potential, scientific use and cultural interest Veterinary, Government of Arunachal Pradesh (Food and Agricultural Organization, 1990). has ventured scientific Mithun rearing farm at Therefore, animals like Mithun needs in Papumpare district in the year 1995. conservation for the potential economic use as Later on the Mithun breeding farms of Kamki well as to maintain the traditional practices in (West Siang) and Lichi (Kimin) has been long run. established with a motive of increasing the Mithuns are the most valued animal among production of milk and meat of Mithun through the Adi community and the Adi society exists scientific rearing techniques. However, these with the mythology, culture and tradition in farms are lacking behind in achieving the target relation to Mithun. However, such an important due to many reasons like financial, animal is facing threat in recent days due to infrastructural and management problems. recurrent uses in socio-cultural occasions, Conclusion elections and commoditization as meat product Mithun is widely domesticated in the Adi in the markets. The respondents opined that tribe inhabited areas of Arunachal Pradesh. The clearing of forests for cultivation of cash crops study reveals that the topographical variation and construction of roads, dams and buildings plays an important role in the distribution of the have fragmented the habitat and restricted the Mithun in the study area. The low-lying areas of habitual movement behavior of Mithun to Lower Dibang Valley reported very less smaller areas. Therefore, intensive care for number of Mithuns compared to the other hilly rearing of Mithun and its conservation is need regions of the study area. The predators also of the time. Most of the respondents affect the population dynamics and habitats of appreciated the recent conservation efforts Mithun. Due to shrinkage of forest land caused carried out by Adi Baane Kebang (ABK) – the by various anthropogenic activities, the largest public organization of the Adi tribe. The distribution of Mithun population has shrunk to Population Status and Conservation Efforts of Bos frontalis (Mithun) in Adi ... 67 limited areas. The decline in number is also subsidies in adopting scientific rearing of rooted to the declining socio – cultural Mithun for the poor villagers can motivate them importance of Mithun under the impact of in continuity of the hard and arduous task. modernization and the commercialization of Availability of microchips, castration facilities, Mithun meat. However, the meat production vitamin rich feeds, antibiotics and vaccines at potential and other productive attributes can be subsidized rates can ensure better growth and harnessed by adopting the improved husbandry lesser mortality in the remote dense forest and feeding practices. Mithun needs greater areas. Overall, the dissemination of scientific attention for being improved and preserved as knowledge and innovative techniques of an important farm animal under the changing Mithun rearing to the illiterate villagers could socio-economic scenario. play significant role in maintaining the Mithun Since, Mithun is a semi-domesticated population in the locality. The clearance of animal and roams around the forest for grazing. forests for various purposes and the decline of Proper fencing will keep it safe from the wild habitat of Mithun pose threat to the Mithun predators and help the owners to monitor population in the area. Therefore, deforestation vigilantly. The natural fodders commonly should be discouraged and plantations should relished by Mithun needs to be identified and be carried out in various parts of the area. The analyzed for chemical compositions. Owing to sound traditional management practices of the increasing rate of deforestation, the Mithun need to be encouraged for continuity. insecurity of natural fodders is increasing day T h e i n d i g e n o u s m e t h o d o f g r a z i n g by day. Hence, identification and cultivation of management practiced by other nearby tribes, natural fodders would ensure the food if any may be encouraged and replicated in the availability of Mithuns. As expressed by the Adi inhabited areas also. members of Adi Cultural and Literary Society Acknowledgements (ACLS), looking at the present rate of depletion The authors are grateful to the respondents of Mithun population, the future generation of Adi tribes inhabited areas of Arunachal may unlikely to know about the use of Mithun. Pradesh. We also acknowledge the Rajiv Therefore, they expressed to establish special Gandhi University for providing necessary Mithun zoos in each district headquarters of infrastructural facilities to carry out the work. Adi inhabited areas of Arunachal Pradesh to This paper is a piecemeal effort of the Ph.D. conserve it. This will also attract tourists and work of the first author and there is equal help in maintaining the rich Adi culture contribution from all the co-authors in throughout the ages. Interactions with the conceptualizing, editing and designing to give members of ABK, ACLS and Adi Students it the final shape. Union (ADISU) revealed that an act on References slaughtering and uses of Mithun in the Adi Apum, N. and Nimasow, G., 2015, Socio- inhabited areas is enforced. According to the economic Importance of Mithun (Bos act, if anyone is found violating the guidelines frontalis) Among the Adi Tribes of and slaughters Mithun in large number during Arunachal Pradesh, India. 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