8 months ago
Wolf Attacks Threaten Mithun Calf Rearing in Mizoram
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.
Wolf attacks have killed nearly 300 mithun (gayal) calves in Sailulak and Leng villages since 2019.
Mithun are semi-domesticated and roam freely in forests, making them vulnerable to predators.
Farmers in Sailulak and Leng have invested significantly in mithun rearing, with 40 families in Sailulak and 11 in Leng currently involved.
The State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has provided support, but complete fencing is impractical due to the animals' wide-ranging habits.
Farmers are calling for timely compensation to help them recover from losses and continue rearing mithun.
- Who
- Farmers in Sailulak and Leng villages, Mizoram
- What
- Wolf attacks on mithun (gayal) calves
- Where
- Sailulak and Leng villages in Serchhip district, Mizoram
- When
- Since 2019, with significant losses
- Why
- Mithun calves are vulnerable due to their free-roaming nature in forests
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.”
assamtribune.com
“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.”
assamtribune.com
“At one point, we had over 180 animals. But repeated attacks have discouraged many families.”
assamtribune.com



