Scholarlink

<p>Indigenous hunting is deeply rooted in cultural identity and plays a vital role in subsistence and livelihood, particularly in biodiverse rich areas of Northeast India. However, their ecological and socioeconomic impacts remain insufficiently understood. Existing research on wild meat consumption tends to focus on commercial trade or urban demand, often overlooking the complex dynamics of subsistence hunting within Indigenous communities. This study aims to fill that gap by examining the patterns of wild meat extraction and consumption among the Nocte tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, India, over a two-year period. It aimed to assess the impact of wild meat consumption on faunal biodiversity and to elucidate the quantity and demand for wild meat within the Nocte tribe by using a structured and open-ended questionnaire survey was carried out in 204 households, and group discussions were conducted with hunters to gather quantitative data on wild meat harvest. A total of 238 mammals representing 15 species and 3,014 birds from 12 species were hunted. The most frequently hunted mammal was <i>Muntiacus vaginalis</i> (<i>n</i> = 60). Similarly, <i>Treron apicauda</i> was the most hunted bird species (<i>n</i> = 1074). Guns (72%) were the most frequently used hunting tool, followed by spears (23%), catapults (3%), and crossbows (2%). Most respondents (88%) expressed a preference for wild meat over domestic alternatives. However, most wild meat was retained for household consumption. It was often shared among relatives, with only 2% sold within the village, indicating that wild meat extraction did not significantly contribute to the rural economy of the Nocte tribe. It was estimated that the complete replacement of wild meat consumption would cost approximately US $70,061.08 per year, highlighting the economic implications of wildlife consumption. The findings suggested that while hunting played a crucial role in the Nocte’s cultural identity and food security, it also posed challenges for biodiversity conservation. Therefore, the study recommends enhancing community awareness regarding sustainable wildlife management practices and fostering collaboration between local communities and forest officials. By addressing these issues, it is possible to promote sustainable hunting practices that benefit both the Noctes and their surrounding ecosystems.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

From forest to feast: wild meat as a source of food and culture for the Nocte tribe

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月11日

查看全文
  • Miatcha Tangjang,
  • Ajay Maletha,
  • Kausik Banerjee

摘要

Indigenous hunting is deeply rooted in cultural identity and plays a vital role in subsistence and livelihood, particularly in biodiverse rich areas of Northeast India. However, their ecological and socioeconomic impacts remain insufficiently understood. Existing research on wild meat consumption tends to focus on commercial trade or urban demand, often overlooking the complex dynamics of subsistence hunting within Indigenous communities. This study aims to fill that gap by examining the patterns of wild meat extraction and consumption among the Nocte tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, India, over a two-year period. It aimed to assess the impact of wild meat consumption on faunal biodiversity and to elucidate the quantity and demand for wild meat within the Nocte tribe by using a structured and open-ended questionnaire survey was carried out in 204 households, and group discussions were conducted with hunters to gather quantitative data on wild meat harvest. A total of 238 mammals representing 15 species and 3,014 birds from 12 species were hunted. The most frequently hunted mammal was Muntiacus vaginalis (n = 60). Similarly, Treron apicauda was the most hunted bird species (n = 1074). Guns (72%) were the most frequently used hunting tool, followed by spears (23%), catapults (3%), and crossbows (2%). Most respondents (88%) expressed a preference for wild meat over domestic alternatives. However, most wild meat was retained for household consumption. It was often shared among relatives, with only 2% sold within the village, indicating that wild meat extraction did not significantly contribute to the rural economy of the Nocte tribe. It was estimated that the complete replacement of wild meat consumption would cost approximately US $70,061.08 per year, highlighting the economic implications of wildlife consumption. The findings suggested that while hunting played a crucial role in the Nocte’s cultural identity and food security, it also posed challenges for biodiversity conservation. Therefore, the study recommends enhancing community awareness regarding sustainable wildlife management practices and fostering collaboration between local communities and forest officials. By addressing these issues, it is possible to promote sustainable hunting practices that benefit both the Noctes and their surrounding ecosystems.