INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE ASSOCIATED WITH CONSERVATION OF CHOCOLATE MAHSEER (NEOLISSOCHEILUS HEXAGONOLEPIS) BY THE WAR-JAINTIA COMMUNITY PRACTICED IN MEGHALAYA

Abstract

The present study aimed at documenting the traditional knowledge of the tribal peoples of Meghalaya and to explores the extent of conservation effort of a threatened fish species namely Neolissocheilus hexagonolepis by the War-jaintia community of Meghalaya by being backed up by the traditional knowledge . This is an important game fishes which were abundant in the streams and rivers of Meghalaya but now a days the fish population has declined to a great extent due mainly to anthropogenic activities. As a primary effort the War-jaintia community initiated conservation of chocolate Mahseer by earmarking in a small stretch of the stream where prohibition of fishing is effectively implemented and help providing a congenial habitat for normal propagation . Conservation of Mahseer can also provide an opportunity for the people to propagate these fishes for commercialisation along with the advancement of science and technology. The application of modern scientific knowledge could further enhance the conservation techniques. Moreover, the efforts is thus effective in arresting the lost of biodiversity which could be adopted in various part of the country.It is interesting to note that population decline of a species invoke conservation ethic among tribal community with the appraisal that decline of such a species will not only effect their livelihood but ultimately affect the entire animal community.It is encouraging to other hilly communities also by being aware of the conservation activities of the War-jaintia community.