mithun-returns-to-assam-generations-after-its-arrival

Assam has recorded the mithun (Bos frontalis), a semi-wild gaur-like animal, for the first time in the state’s hill district of Dima Hasao. This comes generations after tribals in the region began rearing the animal, which is primarily raised for its meat.

 

Previously, mithuns were listed under the “others” category during livestock censuses, and the state government was unaware of their presence. Mithun, the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, is also found in the hills of Mizoram and Manipur.

 

 

Bhairab K Kakati, Additional Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (Hills) said that a team spotted the mithun during a visit to three remote villages—Laisong, Langting, and Thaijuwari—in Dima Hasao on August 21.

 

The team included scientists from the Nagaland-based ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun. The villages are inhabited by Zeme Nagas and are located 70-80 km from the district headquarters, Haflong.

 

“We saw 35-40 mithuns. During past livestock censuses, enumerators would record cattle, pigs, buffaloes, and goats but listed mithuns under ‘others’. They were perhaps not properly trained, and mithun was never reported,” Kakati said.

 

Villagers informed the team that their communities once had a large population of mithuns, but the numbers declined over time.

 

“The geographical challenges make it difficult to estimate their population, and we also lack manpower. The next livestock census starts on September 1. We hope to focus on mithuns during the census to gather more accurate data,” Kakati added.

 

He noted that inbreeding could pose a challenge but expressed optimism that the discovery might boost eco-tourism in Dima Hasao, a popular summer retreat.

 

Kakati also observed that the Assam mithun does not appear identical to the Nagaland variety.

 

“Once we establish this, we can consider a unique nomenclature for the Assam mithun,” he said.

 

Dr Girish Patil, Director of ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, described the discovery as a “historic moment for Assam,” highlighting the animal’s potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture and rural development in the region.

 

According to the last census in 2019, India’s mithun population stands at 3,86,311.

 

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India recognised mithun as a meat animal on September 1 last year, a date now celebrated as Mithun Day in the Northeast.