Ethnozoological Use of Reptiles by the Adi and Galo Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

Reptiles constitute an important component of traditional food systems and ethnomedicinal practices among many indigenous communities worldwide. In Northeast India, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, traditional knowledge regarding reptile utilization remains insufficiently documented despite the region's rich biodiversity and cultural diversity. The present study investigated the utilization of reptiles as food resources and traditional medicine among the Adi and Galo tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and assessed local awareness regarding health risks and reptile conservation. A cross-sectional mixed-method survey was conducted in Parbuk village of Lower Dibang Valley District and Aalo of West Siang District. Data were collected from 120 respondents using structured questionnaires, interviews, and direct community interactions. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlation analysis, Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) testing, Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity, and Exploratory Factor Analysis. The overall reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was acceptable (Cronbach’s α = 0.781), while KMO (0.684) and Bartlett’s Test (p< 0.001) confirmed data suitability for factor analysis. Approximately 85% of respondents reported consuming reptile meat, with monitor lizards representing the most preferred species (69.01%). Wild hunting remained the principal source of reptile acquisition (94.23%). Ethnomedicinal practices were primarily documented among the Adi tribe, who reported the use of monitor lizard fat, gall bladder, and tail ash for treating allergies, hyperglycemia, and ear infections, respectively. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship between motivational-cultural factors and health-related perceptions (r = 0.940, p< 0.05). Although respondents possessed moderate awareness regarding hygiene and conservation issues, knowledge of reptile-associated zoonotic diseases remained limited. The study highlights the continued importance of reptiles within indigenous food and medicinal systems while emphasizing the need for conservation education and sustainable utilization strategies to ensure long-term biodiversity protection.