The Role of the Hao/Hau Fą in Tangkhul Hunting Traditions and Indigenous Knowledge Systems

The Hao/Hau Fą (Tangkhul indigenous dog) has played a crucial role in the Tangkhul Naga hunting traditions and indigenous knowledge systems. As an essential companion in hunting, the Hao/Hau Fą embodies deep ecological knowledge, symbiotic human- animal relationships and cultural symbolism. This paper examines the role of the Hao/Hau Fą in traditional hunting practices, its training and its significance in Tangkhul oral narratives and customary laws. Additionally, it explores how this indigenous breed encodes ecological intelligence, resource management and indigenous epistemologies. By analysing oral traditions, ethnographic accounts and historical records, this study aims to highlight the role of the Hao/Hau Fą in sustaining Tangkhul hunting traditions and its contemporary relevance in conservation discourses.