Ethnozoological practices among Naga tribes

Abstract

The present paper describes the traditional method of treating various kinds of ailments using different vertebrates and invertebrates and/or their products by different Naga tribes. Since different Naga tribes have their own distinct language and vernacular of a particular animal differs from one tribe to other. Efforts have been made to identify different animals of medicinal value used by Naga tribes and decode their names in common English language along with their local and zoological names as far as possible. A list of twentysix animal species and their products, nature of ailments and mode of treatments has been presented. Efforts have been to make known the animal based remedial measures practiced by and large by the Naga tribes. Though traditional in nature, most of the treatments have been reported to provide miraculous healing in various kinds of ailments.