Terrestrial edible insects and their therapeutic value in Moridhal Panchayat of Dhemaji district, Assam, Northeast- India

Abstract

The Northeast India is one of the major biodiversity hotspots, where a large percentage of its flora and fauna remains unexplored. The Northeast India is home to many traditionally living indigenous tribes and communities who are in constant touch with nature. The Moridhal Panchayat in Dhemaji district of Assam, Northeast India, houses four main indigenous Assamese communities – Mising, Lalong, Koch and Ahom apart from others. These communities are reservoir of traditional ethno-zoological knowledge and ethno-zoological practices. During the survey it was found that these communities use 16 species of insects belonging to 6 orders of class insecta as food as well as for the treatment of over 6 kinds of diseases including whooping cough and asthma. These traditional practices needs to be further investigated which may eventually lead to the discovery of new and more effective drugs.