Study on Zootherapy and Cultural Symbolism among Indigenous Communities in Lower Soureni Busty of Darjeeling Hills
Pritisha Sharma
Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Darjeeling Government College, Darjeeling- 734101, West Bengal, India.
Dawa Bhutia *
Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Darjeeling Government College, Darjeeling- 734101, West Bengal, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Ethnozoology examines the dynamic relationships between humans and animals, focusing on their cultural, medicinal, and symbolic significance across societies. This study investigates traditional ethnozoological practices in Lower Soureni Busty, Mirik sub-division, Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India. Fieldwork involved surveys of 95 households and interviews with 157 individuals (31.59% female, 68.41% male). A total of 36 species from 10 taxonomic groups were recorded, with 31 species used in zootherapeutic practices and 11 associated with cultural or shamanistic rituals, while 6 species served both purposes. Documented fauna included 13 mammals, 10 birds, 4 insects, 3 gastropods, and 1 species each from Arachnida, Clitellata, Actinopterygii, Malacostraca, Amphibia, and Reptilia. The entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, though non-animal, was included due to its high ethnomedicinal relevance. The findings highlight the integral role of animals in local healthcare and cultural traditions, underlining the need for conservation strategies that balance biodiversity protection with the preservation of indigenous knowledge.
Keywords: Darjeeling hills, ethnozoology, zootherapy, ethnomedicine, cultural tradition