MITHUN

Category

Details

Origin

●Mithun is a semi-domesticated bovine species believed to have originated more than 8000 years ago.

●It is considered to be a descendant of wild Indian gaur (Bos gaurus) or bison. Known as the "cattle of the mountain".

Taxonomy

●Family: Bovidae

●Class: Mammalia.

●It is closely related to the gaur and banteng.

Common Name

●Gayal, Drung ox.

Geographical Distribution

●Distributed across the North-Eastern region of India, with the highest population in Arunachal Pradesh.

●Also found in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Bhutan. Inhabits altitudes of 300-3000m.

State Animal

●State animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

Festivals

●The ‘Soulung’ festival, celebrated by the Adi tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, commemorates the arrival of Mithun.

●Mithun is also sacrificed during the ‘Feast of Merit’ in Nagaland to mark social and economic achievements.

Physical Characteristics

●Mithun resembles gaur but is smaller, weighing 400-650 kg.

●Strongly built, with a flat face, and horns emerging from the lateral sides.

●The horns are thick at the base, curving inward and tapering to a point.

Coat Color

●Young mithuns are light to dark brown, and their color darkens with age.

Behavior

●Mithuns avoid bright sunlight, often seeking refuge in deep forest areas during noon.

●They prefer cooler climates and salty water streams to quench their thirst.

Social & Cultural Significance

●Symbolizes peace and communal harmony among tribes in North-East India.

●Ownership confers prestige.

●Mithuns are used in social transactions, including dowry payments, fines, and for elevating social status.

Meat and Milk Utility

●Mithun meat is consumed, particularly during festivals and social ceremonies.

●The animal’s milk has a high butterfat content.

Leather Production

●Mithun hide is used to produce high-quality leather.

Conservation Challenges

●Threats include inbreeding, interbreeding with cattle, and habitat destruction.

Conservation Efforts

●The National Research Centre on Mithun (Nagaland) was established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to study Mithun husbandry, breeding, and explore diversified uses.

Conservation Status

●IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.

●Listed under CITES Appendix I.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q:In the context of Indian Bison, consider the following statements:

1.It is a protected species included in Schedule II of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.

2.It has a much larger and muscular build as compared to Gayal.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: b

Explanation: