Migratory behaviour based traditional fish trapping devices of Jeme-Naga tribe of Dima Hasao district, Assam

Abstract

The present study was carried out in the upper stretch of Jenam river, a tributary of River Barak, which flows through Dima Hasao district of Assam. Conventional fishing gears are not found to be very effective in fast flowing hill streams. Therefore, the local inhabitants of such areas generally use many traditional fish catching devices suitable to the location for catching fishes from these fast flowing hill streams. One such traditional fishing method namely Hebua and Heba operated by Jeme-Naga tribe is discussed in the present study. These traditional devices generally developed based on behavioural biology of the fish species and evolved over many generations. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methodology was adopted to collect information about this indigenous fishing method. A total number of 26 fisher folks as well as village elders were consulted through one to one interaction for detail documentation of the fishing method. In both these fishing methods, fishes are trapped by altering their path of movement and using the water current to the fullest extent to prevent their escape. Upward migratory behaviour of monsoon season and downward migratory behaviour of winter of hill-stream cyprinid fishes is effectively utilised in the operation of these fish trapping devices. The present study provides an insight to these eco-friendly, cost-effective and energy-efficient indigenous fishing methods. Migratory behaviour based traditional fish trapping devices of Jeme-Naga tribe of Dima Hasao district, Assam. Adv. Biores., Vol 9 [4] July 2018.128-134. INTRODUCTION DimaHaso district formerly known as North Cachar Hills lies between 24 o 57´N57´N to 25 o 43´N latitudes and 92 o 32É to 93 o 28É longitudes in southern part of Assam. This hill district with an area of 4890 km 2 , constituting roughly 6.24% of the total area of the state is one of the least populous districts of Assam. Borail hills cover a major portion of this district. Dima Hasao district shares its boundary with the states of Nagaland and Manipur in east; Meghalaya and Karbi-Anglong district in west; Karbi-Anglong and Nagaon districts in north; and Cachar district of Assam in south. Eleven different ethnic tribes namely Dimasas, Jeme-Nagas, Hmars, Kukis, Biates, Hrangkhols, Khelmas, Jaintias, Karbis, Vaipheis and Rongmei Nagas along with a sizeable population of non-tribals constitute the demographic profile of this hill district. Kapili, Dehangi, Diyung, Jatinga, Jenam, Mahur and Langting are the main rivers flowing through this district and drain ultimately into Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. These rivers are a rich repository of aquatic biodiversity particularly hill-stream fishes. Ethnic tribes of Dima Hasao employ a variety of fishing techniques in these rivers. Many of such fishing methods are based on indigenous knowledge and bear the distinction of being evolved in a particular community passed on through generations. Several documentations have been made pertaining to Indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) associated with fishing techniques in Assam and North east India [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Some other researchers have