Ethno-medicinal use of monitor lizard Varanus bengalensis (Daudin, 1802) by the ‘Adi’ tribe at East Siang, Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

A recent visit to the remote villages of East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, revealed a unique medicinal approach practiced by the Adi tribe (earlier Abor tribe) using monitor lizard tails. Following reports of being a traditional medicine for humans, this case study emphasizes on the administration pattern to treat their livestock, veterinary purposes by the indigenous tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The use of animal parts in traditional medicines negatively impacts and contributes to the overexploitation of wild animals for meat and remedial purposes. We raise our concerns of wildlife being harvested by the local communities for such unscientific use as a traditional medicine which harms species survival and a challenge for wildlife law enforcement.