An Ethnozoological Study of Tribes in Nandurbar District, Maharashtra

Human societies have relied on animals for food, clothing, medicine, and cultural practices since ancient times. Ethnozoology, the study of the relationships between humans and animals, offers valuable insights into traditional ecological knowledge and its role in health and conservation. This study documents the ethnozoological practices of tribal communities in Nandurbar district, Maharashtra, during 2021–2022. Data were collected through field surveys, semi-structured interviews, and group discussions with 47 indigenous informants across six talukas. A total of 25 animal species belonging to 18 families were identified as being used in folk medicine and cultural practices. These species were employed to treat a wide range of ailments, including respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and cardiometabolic disorders. Quantitative ethnobiological indices such as the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Fidelity Level (FL%), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) highlighted both culturally consistent and diverse therapeutic uses of animals. The findings reveal the significance of animal-based remedies in traditional healthcare systems and emphasize the need to preserve this knowledge in light of biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.