“Traditional” use in a global world: unsustainable ethnozoological usage among Himalayan ethnic groups drives species to extinction

Traditional knowledge is crucial in illustrating how faunal resources are exploited for a variety of purposes, ranging from food to the exploitation of their parts as decorative accents and even traditional medicine. However, unrestrained use may endanger the existence of the species. In terms of traditional usage and hunting status, very little study has been undertaken in India and much less so in the western Himalayas (Jammu & Kashmir). Five ethnic groups' information on ethnozoological and hunting was gathered through semi-structured and open-ended questionnaires, group discussions, and interviews. The data was subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis and ordination methods (Principal Component Analysis). Three categories—single, double, and multiple uses—were used to classify the traditional uses. In the current study, we documented ethnozoological applications of 25 wild species from 12 families in the western Himalayan region. The most frequently used animal part was meat (29.2%), and the highest priority of the local people was for medicinal usage (29.3%). Across ethnic groups, the Bakarwal and Gujjar showed greater similarity in use, whereas the least overlap was observed between Dogra and Kashmiri. Meanwhile, a single species (Glaucidium radiatum) was unique in being used by Dogra ethnic group only. Bakarwal and Gujjar exhibit cultural similarity due to intermarriage and shared religions, in contrast to Dogra and Kashmiri, who, with distinct religious and cultural identities, demonstrate minimal connection. Finally, we evaluated the protection status of the species and based upon the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (WPA) categorization it was observed that 48% belonged to Schedule-I, 4% belonged to Schedule-II, 16% belonged to Schedule-III, and 12% belonged to Schedule-IV. The study discovered that the indigenous population relies on the Schedule-I species with high use value was observed for species like Ursus thibetanus (0.60), Moschus moschiferus (0.57), Panthera pardus (0.52) and Cervus elaphus hanglu (0.38). These species require attention by immediately addressing unsustainable harvesting and encouraging educational efforts directed at all stakeholders, from collectors to end users. This study can be used as a starting point for learning how ethnozoological studies might help build sustainable long-term conservation and management plans for animal resources in the Himalayas.