Mithun Recorded for the First Time in Assam

In a groundbreaking development, the state of Assam has officially recorded the presence of mithun (Bos frontalis) for the first time. This discovery comes generations after the semi-wild, gaur-like animal began to be reared by tribal communities in the state’s hill district of Dima Hasao.

Overlooked in Previous Censuses

Interestingly, during past livestock censuses, enumerators had been recording the animal in the ambiguous column of “others.” This oversight led to the government having no official knowledge of the mithun’s presence in the state. The revelation highlights the importance of thorough and accurate wildlife documentation.

Mithun: A Cultural Icon of Northeast India

Significance in Other Northeastern States

The mithun holds a special place in the cultural and ecological landscape of Northeast India:

• It is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
• The species is also found in the hills of Mizoram and Manipur.
• Primarily, mithun is reared for its meat, playing a crucial role in the region’s culinary traditions.

The Discovery Expedition

A Joint Effort

On August 21, a team comprising officials from the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department and scientists from the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun embarked on a pivotal expedition.

Bhairab K Kakati, Additional Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (Hills), shared details of their findings with The New Indian Express.

Exploration of Remote Villages

The team visited three remote villages in Dima Hasao:

1. Laisong
2. Langting
3. Thaijuwari

These villages, inhabited by Zeme Nagas, are located 70-80 km from the district headquarters, Haflong.

Initial Findings

• The team observed 35-40 mithuns during their visit.
• Local villagers reported that the area once had a larger mithun population, which has declined over time.

Challenges and Future Plans

Population Estimation

Kakati highlighted the challenges in estimating the mithun population:

• Geographical diversions make comprehensive surveys difficult.
• Lack of manpower poses additional challenges.

Upcoming Livestock Census

The next livestock census is scheduled to begin on September 1. The department hopes to focus on mithun during this census, encouraging people to come forward with details about the animal’s presence.

Genetic Considerations

Inbreeding remains a concern for the mithun population. However, Kakati noted that the Assam mithun appears different from its Nagaland counterpart, suggesting potential genetic diversity.

Potential Impact on Eco-tourism

The discovery of mithun in Dima Hasao could potentially boost eco-tourism in the region. Kakati suggests that people visiting the area during summer months to escape the heat might now have an additional attraction.

Expert Opinions

Dr. Girish Patil, Director of ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, described the discovery as a “historic moment for Assam.” He emphasized the potential of mithun presence in Dima Hasao for sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Mithun in India: By the Numbers

According to the last census conducted in 2019, India has a mithun population of 3,86,311.