The ethnic diversities in animal-human interactions in former Jammu and Kashmir State- India

Abstract

Background: Cultural diversity in the Himalayan Mountain regions is closely linked to biodiversity, as there is a very close relationship between the local fauna and cultures. Religious rules and rituals also reinforce this relationship. Research has proven that these relationships are complex and differ based on a variety of factors.Methods: There has been almost no research to explain the animal human interaction and commercially important animal species in different ethnic communities of Jammu and Kashmir. The present study was conducted throughout 2019-2020 and data were gathered through open and closed-end semi-structured interviews and group discussions.Results: We found 10 species of mammals, 7 species of birds, and 7 species of fish were commercially important and playing a vital role in the economy of the local ethnic communities (Kashmiri, Pahari, Hanji, Bakarwal, Changapa). Among the documented species, seven species were unique to Hanji, followed by 4 species to Pahari, 3 to Kashmiri and 2 species to Changapa. The heat map classified predators into three groups that were recognized based on indicator species. Eight main predators (Selenarctos thibetanus, Vulpes vulpes, Herpestes auropunctatus, Canis familiaris, Felis catus, Canis lupus, Panthera uncia, and Panthera pardus) preying the documented species were recorded across the entire study area. Bos taurus primigenius, Bos Taurus and Gallus gallus domesticus played a significant role in the cultural and religious ritual aspects, whereas Capra aegagrus hircus, Equus ferus caballus and Gallus gallus domesticus were commonly used as a livelihood source among local communities.Conclusions: Present study enlightened the interaction between the local fauna and cultures, meanwhile the study is first in its kind to document the livestock species with commercial value and specific communities associated with them in the former state Jammu and Kashmir.

Traditional Use of Wild and Domestic Fauna among Different Ethnic Groups in the Western Himalayas—A Cross Cultural Analysis

“…Important wild fauna includes the last viable population of the threatened hangul ( Cervus hanglu ), musk deer ( Moschus cupreus ), markhor ( Capra falconeri ), Himalayan tahr ( Hemitragus jemlahicus ), and other species of mammals including Himalayan brown bear ( Ursus arctos ), common red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ), snow leopard ( Panthera uncia ), and Tibetan argali ( Ovis ammon ) [ 26 , 31 ]. The region also harbors an enormous source of domestic fauna, e.g., Bos grunniens (Yak) , Capra aegagrus hircus (Pashmina goat), Bos taurus primigenius (Cow) and other species like, and Anas platyrhynchos domesticus (Duck) [ 32 ].…”

“…Taxonomic identification was carried out by using the online database “Integrated Taxonomic Information System” ( ) (accessed on 17 August 2021) and using the regional literature [ 26 , 31 ]. We have also compared the recorded data with the previous ethnobiological literature carried out in the nearby regions, particularly surrounding the Himalayan regions [ 10 , 26 , 32 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. The conservation assessment of documented fauna species was done as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, 2019) Red List ( ) (accessed on 17 August 2021) and used the regional literature [ 31 ].…”

“…Most of the ethnic groups in the study area are associated with agriculture, livestock, and allied services [ 32 ]. Kashmiri and Dogra are associated with agriculture and horticulture, and many are government job holders, shopkeepers, daily wage laborers, and craftsmen.…”

„Ad aspera ad astra – 40 Jahre (Ethno-)Botanik“: Ein Interview mit Rainer W. Bussmann, ERA Co-Editor in Chief

“…Gemeinsam haben wir eingehende ethnobotanische Studien insbesondere im westlichen Teil Nepals ducrhgeführt (Kunwar, Fadiman et al 2018, Kunwar, Baral et al 2016, Kunwar, Burlakoto et al 2010,b, Kunwar Chowdhary et al 2008, Kunwar, Katuwal et al 2010, Kunwar, Makhat et al 2012, Kunwar, Nepal et al 2006, Kunwar, Shresta et al 2010, Kunear, Uprety et al 2009, Kunwar, Sher et al 2021, Kunwar, Rimal et al 2021, Kunwar, Subedi et al 2021, Kutal, Kunwar et al 2021. Diese Forschung wurde später auf Nordindien ausgeweitet (Banday et al 2021, Bhat et al 2013, 2015, Debbarma et al, 2017, Hassan et al 2021a,b, Kumar et al 2011a, Mir et al 2021, Reang et al 2016, Semwal et al 2020, Singh et al 2017a,b, Tamang et al 2021, Tkakur et al 2014, Verma et al 2007 .…”

"Ad aspera ad astra - 40 years of (Ethno)botany": an interview with Rainer W. Bussmann, Co-Editor in Chief of ERA

“…Together we developed in depth ethnobotanical studies especially in the Far-Western part of Nepal (Kunwar, Fadiman et al 2018, Kunwar, Baral et al 2016, Kunwar, Burlakoto et al 2010,b, Kunwar Chowdhary et al 2008, Kunwar, Katuwal et al 2010, Kunwar, Makhat et al 2012, Kunwar, Nepal et al 2006, Kunwar, Shresta et al 2010, Kunear, Uprety et al 2009, Kunwar, Sher et al 2021, Kunwar, Rimal et al 2021, Kunwar, Subedi et al 2021, Kutal, Kunwar et al 2021. This research later expanded to Northern India (Banday et al 2021, Bhat et al 2013, 2015, Debbarma et al, 2017, Hassan et al 2021a,b, Kumar et al 2011a, Mir et al 2021, Reang et al 2016, Semwal et al 2020, Singh et al 2017a,b, Tamang et al 2021, Tkakur et al 2014, Verma et al 2007).…”