Ethnozoological study of animal-based medicine used by traditional healers in Northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India

Abstract. Zope A, Sonawane A, Patil S, Nirgude B, Jagdale P. 2025. Ethnozoological study of animal-based medicine used by traditional healers in Northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. Asian J Ethnobiol 8: 1-11. Since the beginning of human history, animals have been used for various purposes. Animals provided food, medicine, and clothes for people. In this regard studies on ethnozoology have gained interest in India over the last decade. Ethnozoological research is required to identify novel treatments for human health and it is crucial to document this information. Thus, the authors endeavor to conduct a pilot ethnozoological study from the Northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Ethnomedicinal data was gathered from traditional healers through interviews, casual encounters, and overt observations using semi-structured questionnaires. The information collected was analyzed using the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity Level (FL). The ethnozoological data include names of the animals and their body parts (organs) used in the local language, preparation, and administration method of medicine, and other informative pieces deemed helpful for research. A total of 37 animal species were identified for treating around 59 diseases. Mammals were the most frequently used therapeutic species (33%) by traditional healers. We are the first to report oral use of Maharashtra zipper Loach (Paracanthocobitis mooreh) as a therapy for drooling in the study area. It is considered that documenting ethnozoological knowledge could lead to the development of novel medications. Therefore, it is believed that the data in this work will be helpful in future research on ethnozoology, ethnopharmacology, and conservation.