Traditional and ethnozoological practices by tribals in rural areas of alirajpur, dhar, barwani district of madhya pradesh, india

Abstract

Introduction: Ethnobiological knowledge is very ancient in Indian tribes. Ethnobiology describes how people of a particular culture and region make use of indigenous plants and animals. India has an immense faunal, floral, as well as cultural diversity with many ethnic communities who are primarily dependent on the traditional medicinal system for their primary health care. Present ethnozoological study related to the use of different chordates and non-chordates animals and their derived products as medicines by the tribes and rural people of Alirajpur, Dhar, and Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh, India (Bhil, Bhilala, Tadwi, and Bharia) which is well known for its very rich biodiversity. The field survey was conducted from July 2015 to Dec 2020 by performing interviews through structured questionnaires with 33 informants (21 men and 12 women), who provided information regarding therapeutic uses of animals. A total of 18 animals and animal products were recorded and they are used for different ethnomedical purposes, including Paralysis, TB, Asthma, Rheumatism, Cough and Cold, Cancer, Allergy, Fit, Piles, Leprosy, Dysentery, Fever, Diarrhoea, Weakness, and Antidote. The zoo therapeutic knowledge was mostly based on non-chordate and chordate animals, but some protected species like the Peafowl (Pavocristatus) were also mentioned as important medicinal resources. We would suggest that this kind of neglected traditional knowledge should be included in the strategies of conservation and management of faunistic resources in the investigated area.