A preliminary study of zoo therapy of Dimasa society of Dima-Hasao District, Assam

Abstract

India has diverse range of cultural affinities and also diverse numbers of indigenous communities which share a varied quantum of knowledge related to traditional practices. The present research aims to focus on zoo therapeutic knowledge and practices of the indigenous ethnic community of Dimasa in Dima-Hasao district. The study includes a preliminary survey stating animal usage and use of their by products to cure medical ailments. Data was collected through in person interviews based on a series of questionnaires. A total number of 16 species is used for the cure of 11 medical ailments for the use of zoo therapeutic practices. Conservation strategies and resource use managements of the species used by the ethnic community was studied for better use of species in resource management in the surrounding environment of the study area.