Ethnozoological Practices of Tribal People of Purulia District, West Bengal

Abstract

Traditional or folk medicine is still preponderating among the rural people for primary health-care. In India tribal medicine and written health traditions, such as, Ayurveda, Uninani, Siddha are recommend to use animal or animal products to treat various disease condition. Nearly 15%-20% Ayurvedic medicines are animal based and in the Unani system almost 200 drugs are derived from animals. Although in tribal medicine, zootherapeutic practices is very common but never commercialized. The district Purulia of West Bengal is endowed with rich ethnic culture as well as immense biological diversity. The present study intends to document various ethnozoological practices prevailing in the district. During the field survey, 38 medicine-men were interviewed. This communication documented 32 animal species for ethno medicinal uses against various disease conditions of tribal. Informant concensus factor, fidelity level and use value are also analysed. Folklore and traditional knowledge are in the process of rapid degeneration due to disruption of forest covers and changes in the socio-economic pattern. So, there is an urgent need to document the available information.