Traditional gayal (mithun) rearing in Mizoram’s Serchhip district is facing severe losses due to repeated wolf attacks, threatening both rural livelihoods and indigenous culture.

What is happening on the ground?

• In Sailulak and Leng villages, close to the Myanmar border, families practising semi-domesticated gayal rearing are losing calves to nocturnal wolf predation.
• Since 2019, villagers estimate that nearly 300 juvenile gayals have been killed, mostly soon after birth.
• Sailulak alone has around 40 families rearing nearly 250 gayals, while Leng has seen numbers fall sharply from earlier levels.

Why are gayals vulnerable?

• Gayal (Bos frontalis) are not stall-fed animals; they roam freely in forests, grazing on natural vegetation.
• They instinctively recognise their owners and return to familiar grounds, but this free-ranging system exposes calves to predators.
  • “Mithun-Salt” Bond: Owners provide common salt periodically. This “salt-licking” creates a bond that ensures the animal recognizes its owner and stays within a specific forest territory.
• Complete fencing is impractical, as animals range across large forest tracts and sometimes even cross the Tiau river into Myanmar.

Government support and gaps

• Since 2019, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has promoted gayal domestication by providing:
  • Barbed wire and fencing material
  • Shelters and water ponds
• However, farmers point out that:
  • Predator-proof protection for newborn calves is inadequate
  • Delayed compensation from the Environment, Forests and Climate Change Department reduces confidence and recovery after losses.

About Gayals/Mithun

• The Gayal, popularly known as the Mithun, is a large, semi-domesticated bovine endemic species found in the north-eastern hills of India, and countries of Myanmar, Bhutan,  Bangladesh, and China.
• Often referred to as the “Cattle of the Mountains,” it is the most significant animal in the socio-economic and cultural life of several tribal communities in Northeast India.
• It is believed to have originated around 8000 years ago and is considered to be the domesticated form of the Gaur (Bos gaurus). 
  • Unlike the Gaur, the Mithun is generally more docile.

• It is a massive animal with a sturdy build, has a distinct high ridge on its back (dorsal ridge), a prominent dewlap, and thick, upward-curving horns. 
• Usually blackish-brown with white “stockings” (white fur on the lower parts of all four legs).
• They thrive at altitudes between 300 to 3000 meters above sea level. 
• They are unique because they are “free-ranging”; they live in the forest but return to the village occasionally or when salt is offered by owners.

Geographical Distribution 

They are predominantly found in the tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, particularly in the hilly regions of Northeast India and parts of Southeast Asia. In India, the Mithun population is concentrated in four North-eastern states:

• Arunachal Pradesh: State Animal (Highest population).
• Nagaland: State Animal.
  • Nagami Mithun from Nagaland, is the world’s first officially recognized breed of Mithun, registered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Manipur & Mizoram: Significant populations are also found here.

Cultural Significance

• Mithun is a symbol of “peace and communal harmony” and its sacrifice is said to usher in the prosperity and well-being of those for whom the act is intended cattle.
• For tribes like the Nyishi, Apatani, Galo, Naga, and Chin, the Mithun is more than just livestock; it is a measure of wealth and social status.
• The Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh observes the ‘Solung festival’ annually to commemorate the birth and arrival of Mithun on this earth.
• Traditionally, the mithun figures prominently in the pantheon of powerful deities the Nyishis worship.

Economic Significance

• Mithun plays an important role in the socio-economic and cultural life of the local tribal population. 
• Presently, this animal is mainly reared for meat, which is considered to be more tender and superior over the meat of any other species.
• Mithun milk, though produced less in quantity, is of high quality and can be used for preparation of various milk products. 
• Leather obtained from this species has been found to be superior to cattle.
• There is a great scope to promote this animal as an organic meat and milk producer. 
• This animal is also used as bridal gift as well as in barter trade.

Conservation of Mithun

• Keeping in view the dwindling population of Mithun, it is of great priority for the Mithun inhabited states to conserve and propagate quality Mithun germplasm at a faster rate to stabilize its population. 
• There are three ways for the conservation of Mithun genetic resources:  
  • Through cryopreservation of genetic material like living ova, embryos or semen; 
  • Preservation of genetic information as DNA; 
  • Conservation of live population.

Exam Hook 

Q. With reference to gayal (mithun), consider the following statements:

1. It is a semi-domesticated bovine species traditionally reared in forested regions of Northeast India.
2. It is primarily valued for milk production in tribal communities.
3. It holds social and cultural significance among several hill tribes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct answer: A

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