ATREE News

Often misunderstood as a domesticated type of Indian Gaur because of the similar appearance Mithun/Gayal is a unique bovine species endemic to Northeast India, Bangladesh, China, and Myanmar. It is an important cultural resource of the ethnic tribes of Northeast India, especially Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. It is the only semi-domesticated bovine species often reared in free-range conditions. The Mithun population of India are distributed unevenly across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur, with the largest population in Arunachal followed by Nagaland. This massive and magnificent bovine produces only a single calf per year. They are often associated with playing multidimensional roles in tribal lives. It is a symbol of prestige for the ethnic communities as well as a traditional medium of exchange in the barter system.

Wild edibles have been part of indigenous community diets for centuries. Now chefs, scholars and farmer collectives are trying to document the medicinal and nutritional value of these wild foods. This becomes particularly relevant at a time when the younger generation of Adivasis too seems to be moving away from traditional foraging practices, lured by the packaged and processed food diet common in urban areas. ATREE Eastern Himalaya has documented 192 species of wild edibles that were used as food, consumed as medicines, and had multiple other uses (religious, cultural, etc.). “Our survey shows that the youth is exposed to ready-to-eat foods and their taste has been homogenised. They are turning away from the local wisdom of eating such seasonal wild edibles,” says Sarala Khaling.

Dr Vanak says that being allowed to roam free on the streets is harmful to the dogs, human beings and other wildlife. The solution is to get as many dogs adopted as possible, and to create long-term shelters for the rest, according to Dr Vanak. He also suggests humane euthanasia for dogs that are sick or unsuitable for adoption. “These measures are in line with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, as well as WHO guidelines on rabies prevention”.

By feeding dogs on streets, many dog lovers are shirking their responsibility of taking care of these dogs fully – i.e. ensuring that these dogs have the five freedoms of animal welfare–freedom from hunger and thirst – only partially taken care of by feeding; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain and injury; freedom to express normal behaviour; freedom from fear and distress.

Urban dwellers might not immediately or directly experience the effects of mass fish deaths or polluted lakes, ponds and other water bodies, it is crucial to recognise one’s role in the issue and take responsibility. “Without our rivers, lakes, ponds and other water bodies, India’s geography, language and culture would be very different. People are intertwined with these water bodies in material and spiritual ways. Water bodies are a crucial part of the culture of any civilisation,” points out Priya Ranganathan.