Ethno-Medico Zoology of Jharkhand Plateau, India

Abstract

Studies since 2002 reveal that the Ethno-medico animals of the Jharkhand Plateau (situated approximately in between 21° 5´ N and 24° 8´ N and 82° 20´ E and 84° 54´ E) belong to both invertebrate and vertebrate groups. Varied types of medicines are prepared from different animals for different type of ailments by the aboriginals, allied aboriginals and semi-hinduized aboriginals for remedy of the ailments they generally suffer. This tradition of preparation of medicines are in their culture since their settlement in the plateau (some 3000-3500 B.C. before). This tradition they have inherited from their fore-fathers as they speak. A total of 22 species of invertebrates and 86 species of vertebrates are recorded during the study period, which are used as medicinal animals by the ethnic people. The ethno-medico-animals as discussed above are diverse and specific for a particular ailment or disease and exhibit a great ethnic and cultural diversity. The medicine prepared from animals is value based, no matter how diverse it is in differential social setting and cultural contexts. The traditional knowledge should also be included into the strategies of conservation and management of faunistic resources along-with other avenues of conservation by the authorities of the Forest Department of the plateau.