Zootherapeutic Knowledge of Two Ethnic Populations from Central Nepal

Zootherapy constitutes an essential part of the traditional pharmacopoeia of the country. Some of the zootherapeutic practices are still in use in spite of the development of modern medical system. Present paper studies documents the zootherapeutic practices of two ethnic groups, Pahariand Danuwar,from the central mountainous region of the country. Data have been collected by employing tools such as participant observation, questionnaire survey, structured interview, semi-structured interview and participatory rural appraisal. Zootherapy is equally popular in both the populations but there exists some differences in actual application and preparation of animal products. There are cases where the same animal part has been used to cure entirely different ailments in the two groups. Zootherapeutic potential of some of the neglected species can lead to their economic and cultural valorization. Mass production of such animals could help in providing protein supplement along with animal-based medicines to the people. These animals could also substitute other endangered animals which are still used in zootherapy. Present study also provides base-line data for further research and gives valuable inputs to biodiversity conservationists

Agriculture · Biodiversity · Biology · Citizen journalism · Endangered species · Environmental health · Environmental planning · Ethnic group · Geography · Participatory rural appraisal · Political science · Population · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Traditional knowledge · Traditional medicine · Animal and Plant Science Education · Anthropology · Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies · Medicine · Zoonotic diseases and public health · Biotechnology · Ecology

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  Open Access•Bamdev Subedi•Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology…•2022

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