Bird hunting techniques practised by <i>War Khasi</i> community of Meghalaya, North-east, India

Abstract

Hunting for wild birds is stimulated by a variety of human uses of bird species, which constitute important subsistence items in the livelihoods of the people living in <i>War</i> area of Meghalaya. In this paper, it is analysed the findings of an Ethnoecological research on traditional ecological knowledge associated with bird hunting techniques. In order to gain access the resources, hunters have developed a series of techniques and strategies described and discussed in the present work. The principal hunting techniques encountered are locally known as<b> </b><i>Suh Sim</i>, <i>Suh Sim Um</i>, <i>Suh Lynglit</i>, <i>Riam Shynroh</i>, <i>Riam Dkhoh</i> and imitation. The study was conducted in 5 selected villages of South Meghalaya. The choice of hunting technique depends on the habits of the bird species. From conservation perspectives, active hunting techniques (<i>Suh Sim </i>and<i> Suh Sim Um</i>) have the greatest impact on the local bird diversity. Additional studies concerning bird hunting activities are desirable in order to regulate bird hunting in the region, with the objective of promoting sustainable use of bird resources for welfare of the local human communities.