Animal Ethno Zoology as Traditional Medicine with Refer to Insects Use by Tribal Communities of Majuli District, N.E.India

Dr.Anup Kumar Doley

Assistant Prof.

Department of Zoology, Majuli College, Kamalabari

Email:anupkumardoley77@gmail.com

Abstract

Entomology belongs to the study of insects as a whole. Entomophagy is the practice of eating insects especially by peoples. Some insects, crustaceans like prawn, crabs constitute a very important food source in many developing countries. They are good source of high content of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. An estimated 2000 insects species are consumed around the world and people do not just eat insects, they relish them as delicacies. Insect-derived compounds for therapeutic use have huge promise as they have remedial, analgestic, antibacterial, diuretic, sedative, anticancer and anti-rheumatic properties. In old traditional medicine, insects products such as honey, venom, maggots, silk and cantharidine etc. have been used as a treatment for many human ailments.  The Mishings are plain tribes and second largest tribe in the plains of Assam. As per census report 2011 total population of Mishings in Assam was 680,424.  Majuli the largest riverine island in the world, occupies an area of about 880 kms.  Majuli is situated between 26º45' N to 27º12N' latitude and 93º39' E and 94º35' E longitude at an altitude 84.5 m above mean sea level. Majuli district has a population of 1,67, 304, entirely rural. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 14.27% and 46.38% of population. The main industry is agriculture, with paddy being the chief crop. Fishing, dairying, pottery, handloom and boat making are other important economic activities. Besides fishing the Mishing people consumed different species of insects. The present paper reveals 15 nos. of insects consume by Mishing people.

Keywords: Edible insects, Medicine,Food, Mishing Community, North East India.