Facts about Mithun

•  Mithun (Bos frontalis), is a unique bovine species which is an important component of  the livestock production system of the North-Eastern Hilly Region.

• Semi-Wild: Semi-Domesticated, traditional mithun-rearing believed to have been     started more  than 8000 years ago

•  Found in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur + many pockets of the  neighbouring countries.

•  An extremely efficient grazer on steep hilly slopes compared to other animals.

•  Primarily reared for its meat which is highly preferred among the tribal people of the  North  East (Kuki-Mizo-Naga-Arunachal tribes…).

•  Also used as a ceremonial animal and plays an important role in the economical,  social and  cultural life of the mithun-rearing-Tribes.

•  It is now established that superior quality milk (contains high protein+fat)    and hide can be obtained from mithun.

•  National Research Centre on Mithun established by ICAR in 1988 (@Jharpani,  Medziphema,  Nagaland) to conserve, propagate and improve this species for future  use.

•  18th livestock census, India (2007): Total mithun population 2,64,279. Arunachal  Pradesh is  home to 82.84% ( 2,18,931) of mithun followed by 12.63% (33,385) in  Nagaland, 3.79%  (10,024) in Manipur and 0.73% (1,939) in Mizoram.

•  Community-led Mithun Rearing for Livelihood & Forest conservation can be an  innovative  game-changer in rural development.