Indigenous Knowledge of Zootherapeutic Use of Vertebrate Origin by the Ao Tribe of Nagaland

The Ao tribe of Nagaland mostly use vertebrate derived medicine for a whole range of afflictions like body pain, rheumatism, asthma, liver disease, leucoderma, eczema, tuberculosis, paralysis, antidote against poison, skin disease, stomach disorder, jaundice, night blindness, bone fracture, malaria, dysentery, kidney problems, breathing problems, earache, burn injuries, stammering, piles, general weakness etc. Detailed information has been obtained on the traditional therapeutic use of twenty five different vertebrate species, of which, some have become rare. It is suggested that establishment of socioecological system through sustainable management and conservation of biodiversity may contribute tremendously to understand this indigenous system as a reliable source of medicine, food, income and other benefits.