The Mishmi Hunter of Arunachal

Photo courtesy: Ambika Aiyadurai

Abstract: The inevitability of forest dependence amongst tribes in Arunachal creates a paradox in wild life protection. The tussle is between livelihood, traditional practices and conservation concerns. It is argued that modern market linked commercial actives are far more responsible for destruction of wild life in the frontier regions. The current and future conservation approach must take cultural realities of hunting, contemporary economic processes and people’s perspectives into account to succeed.

The author is a researcher, working on anthropological issues in the north east of India.
Email : aiyadurai@googlemail.com