Assam Records Mithun Presence for the First Time
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Assam officially records presence of mithun (Bos frontalis) for the first time. |
| Location | Dima Hasao district, Assam. |
| Discovery Date | August 21, 2023. |
| Expedition Team | Officials from Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department and scientists from ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun. |
| Key Official | Bhairab K Kakati, Additional Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (Hills). |
| Villages Explored | Laisong, Langting, Thaijuwari (inhabited by Zeme Nagas), 70-80 km from Haflong, Dima Hasao. |
| Mithun Count Observed | 35-40 mithuns. |
| Cultural Significance | Mithun is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland; found in Mizoram and Manipur; reared for meat. |
| Population Challenges | Geographical diversions, lack of manpower, declining population, and inbreeding concerns. |
| Upcoming Census | Next livestock census begins on September 1, 2023, with a focus on mithun. |
| India's Mithun Population | 3,86,311 (2019 census). |
| Potential Impact | Boost to eco-tourism in Dima Hasao; potential for sustainable agriculture and rural development. |