8 months ago

Wolf Attacks Threaten Mithun Calf Rearing in Mizoram

Wolf Attacks Threaten Mithun Calf Rearing in Mizoram
Wolf attacks disrupt mithun calf rearing in Mizoram's Serchhip · assamtribune.com

In the forests of Mizoram, farmers are having a hard time raising mithun, also known as gayal.

These big, strong animals are important to the local culture and are used in special ceremonies.

However, wolves keep attacking the baby mithuns, especially right after they are born.

Since 2019, nearly 300 baby mithuns have been killed.

The farmers have tried to protect their animals by building fences, but it's difficult because the mithuns roam freely in large forest areas.

The government has helped with some materials, but the farmers still struggle.

They are upset because the money they are supposed to get to help them recover after losing animals is often delayed.

Despite the problems, the farmers are determined to keep raising mithuns because it's a big part of their history and culture.

Key facts

Location
Sailulak and Leng villages, Serchhip district, Mizoram
Animals Affected
Mithun (gayal) calves
Predators
Wolves
Number of Families
40 in Sailulak, 11 in Leng
Total Animals
250 in Sailulak, 55 in Leng
Calves Lost
Nearly 300 since 2019
Start of Domestication
2017 in Sailulak, 2018 in Leng
Support
State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department

Quotes

F Vanlalruata

An early adopter of gayal farming in Sailulak village

“They roam deep in the jungle, but they are not aggressive. They know their owners. The problem is we cannot protect newborn calves all the time.”
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“We knew it would not be easy. But we did not expect to lose so many calves.”
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Tlanghmingthanga

A farmer from Leng village

“If compensation comes on time, it helps us survive and start again. Without it, people lose confidence.”
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“At one point, we had over 180 animals. But repeated attacks have discouraged many families.”
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Sources

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