The tribal people who live in the area have converted signicant portions of lowland tropical for... more The tribal people who live in the area have converted signicant portions of lowland tropical forests in south Meghalaya into agroforestry systems. A considerable amount of the original forest biodiversity is preserved in these agroforests with diversied and structurally complex shade canopies. Standard vegetation analysis and biodiversity assessment methodologies were used to investigate the inuence of land use change on plant diversity. The study suggests that agroforests developed by the indigenous War Khasi people in south Meghalaya through experience learning over several generations have emerged as a relatively resilient agroforestry system with minimal inuence on plant diversity.
Traditional knowledge on the use of Gynocardia odorata R. Br. seed as medicine and poison has rel... more Traditional knowledge on the use of Gynocardia odorata R. Br. seed as medicine and poison has relatively been well documented, whereas there is still a lack of adequate research on its use as food. The seed of G. odorata is an important wild edible in the state of Meghalaya having well-established market chain and a consumer base. This study reports the traditional knowledge-based depoisoning process of the seed of G. odorata by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya. The study revealed that the cost/benefit ratio is highly favourable to the collector/producer as well as traders leading to the domestication of the tree in arecanut agroforests. It is concluded that the valuable ethnobotanical knowledge of the people needs to be documented for sustainable utilization of this bioresource.
The paper reports and analyses the findings of Traditional Ecological Knowledge associated with f... more The paper reports and analyses the findings of Traditional Ecological Knowledge associated with fish harvesting practices of War Khasi community, a sub tribe of Khasi , inhabiting southern slopes of Meghalaya. The study area has a forested landscape and harbours dense network of streams and rivers, viz. Wah Umsong, Wah Umsi, Wah Umshrei, Wah Umkhat, Wah Durit and Wah Umjar. These rivers and their associated water bodies are impregnated with a variety of fish and other aquatic life forms, which constitute a sizable part of the diet of local people. The War Khasi community has evolved several traditional fish-harvesting practices, locally known as Buh Kroh, Riam Kriah, Riam Khohka, Riam Kyllong, Ring Khashiar, Buh Ruh and Bia Dohpieh . The study revealed that these methods are most suited to local conditions, help in perpetual fish harvest and conservation of aquatic biodiversity of the region. The paper discusses the ecological and biodiversity value of these practices in the light o...
Tynsong H, Dkhar M, Tiwari BK. 2020. Review: Traditional ecological knowledge of tribal communiti... more Tynsong H, Dkhar M, Tiwari BK. 2020. Review: Traditional ecological knowledge of tribal communities of North East India. Biodiversitas 21: 3209-3224. Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) refers to the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and tribal people relating to the understanding of structure and functioning of neighboring natural ecosystems and their use for human welfare. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature relating to TEK held by the tribal and other traditional societies of North East India. The region is very rich in TEK pertaining to species, ecosystems, and their interactions including their sustainable management and utilization in forestry, fisheries, agriculture, food, crafts, dye, and health care. Some of these TEK based knowledge systems are at par or even superior to the resource management practices evolved under the ambit of modern knowledge. Though a substantial chunk of TEK of tribal communities of North East India has been documented...
Hunting for wild birds is stimulated by a variety of human uses of bird species, which constitute... more Hunting for wild birds is stimulated by a variety of human uses of bird species, which constitute important subsistence items in the livelihoods of the people living in War area of Meghalaya. In this paper, it is analysed the findings of an Ethnoecological research on traditional ecological knowledge associated with bird hunting techniques. In order to gain access the resources, hunters have developed a series of techniques and strategies described and discussed in the present work. The principal hunting techniques encountered are locally known as Suh Sim, Suh Sim Um, Suh Lynglit, Riam Shynroh, Riam Dkhoh and imitation. The study was conducted in 5 selected villages of South Meghalaya. The choice of hunting technique depends on the habits of the bird species. From conservation perspectives, active hunting techniques (Suh Sim and Suh Sim Um) have the greatest impact on the local bird diversity. Additional studies concerning bird hunting activities are desirable in order to regulate b...
Phrynium capitatum Willd. leaf is most common wrapping and packaging material used by the people ... more Phrynium capitatum Willd. leaf is most common wrapping and packaging material used by the people of Meghalaya. The shelf-life of these leaves is about four to five weeks. It has been in use since time immemorial for packing and wrapping of edible items such as common salt, jaggery (gur), lentil, fresh and dry fish, meat, betel leaf, fruits, vegetables, lime, channa (gram) and the like. This paper focuses on the contribution of this leaf to the income of rural poor of Meghalaya. The average production of Phrynium leaf was found to be 480kg/ha/year and the revenue was Rs. 2880/ha/year, out of which Rs.2,010 was a net earning of the collector. The maximum benefits accrued to the trader (56%), followed by the producer (28%), transporter (10%) and wage earner (5%). The demand of leaves is high, since local people prefer Phrynium leaf for packing food items over polythene because of its capacity in retaining moisture and keeping the packed edibles fresh and lasting longer. Since most prod...
H. Tynsong, BK Tiwari and MB Lynser Centre for Environmental Studies, North-Eastern Hill Universi... more H. Tynsong, BK Tiwari and MB Lynser Centre for Environmental Studies, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, lndia. introduction Medicinal plant sector has traditionally occupied an important position in the socio cultural, spiritual and medicinal arena of rural ...
The survival of mankind depends upon the availability of bioresources and their proper management... more The survival of mankind depends upon the availability of bioresources and their proper management. War Khasi tribe of Meghalaya nurtured bioresources in the vicinity of their habitations, near water sources, on steep slopes and other ecologically sensitive lands. Traditional knowledge based management practices can be seen in forest management in the form of sacred groves, village restricted forests, village supply forests, clan forests, traditional fish harvesting, traditional bird harvesting, water conservation and traditional herbal treatment. In this paper, we investigate and document, traditional knowledge associated with management and utilization of various bioresources by War Khasi tribe of south Meghalaya.
Indian Journal of Innovations and Developments, 2012
Fungi and bacteria populations, urease and phosphatase activities and various physico chemical ch... more Fungi and bacteria populations, urease and phosphatase activities and various physico chemical characteristics of the disturbed and undisturbed forest soils were investigated for a period of one year. We found that fungal and bacterial populations exhibited almost a similar trend of monthly variations in the soils of the disturbed and undisturbed forest stands during the study period. The soil of the undisturbed forest stand harbored higher fungal and bacterial populations as compared to that of the disturbed forest stand. It was observed that the urease and phosphatase activities were slightly higher in the disturbed forest stand than that in the undisturbed forest stand. The urease activity was found to be maximum in the month of June and minimum in the month of January in both the forest stands, whereas, in the case of phosphatase activity the maximum activity was observed in the month of July and minimum in the month of November. Fungal population showed a positive significant c...
Tynsong H, Tiwari BK, Dkhar M. 2018. Plant diversity of Betel Leaf Agroforestry of South Meghalay... more Tynsong H, Tiwari BK, Dkhar M. 2018. Plant diversity of Betel Leaf Agroforestry of South Meghalaya, Northeast India. Asian J For 2: 1-11. Large areas of lowland tropical forests of South Meghalaya have been converted into betel leaf agroforestry systems by the tribal people living in the area. The betel leaf agroforestry with diverse and structurally complex shade canopies conserve a significant portion of the original forest biodiversity. The impact of land use change on the biodiversity was studied using standard vegetation analysis and biodiversity estimation methods. A total of 160 plant species were recorded in natural forests out of which 75 were trees, 40 shrubs, and 45 herbs, while in betel leaf agroforestry, a total of 159 plant species, 94 trees, 17 shrubs and 48 herbs were recorded. A total of 34 tree species, 13 shrub species, and 14 herb species were common in both the land uses. All the plant species were native species. The study revealed that the conversion of natura...
Hussain JF, Tynsong H. 2020. Review: Ethno-zoological study of animals-based medicine used by tra... more Hussain JF, Tynsong H. 2020. Review: Ethno-zoological study of animals-based medicine used by traditional healers of Northeast India. Asian J Ethnobiol 4: 1-22. Since ages, plants and animals have been used in human cultures as therapeutics. Animals have not only acted as a source of food for humans, but have also been commonly used in applications such as medicine, clothes, and other related services. The use of animals and animal products in traditional methods of treating diseases, and for many other reasons, dates back to the early days of civilization. Treatment of human diseases using animal-derived products is called zootherapy or ethno-zoology. Despite the worldwide utilization of ethno-zoology in the form of traditional medicines based on animals, a thorough and comprehensive study of zootherapy in comparison to plant-based medicinal research is still ignored. This study is an attempt to highlight available knowledge on ethno-zoological therapeutic applications used by different traditional healers of NorthEast (NE) India. With regard to the frequency of animal species, the use of mammals and mammalian products is found to be the highest in NE India as compared to other animal groups, while use of fish-based medicine in the state of Manipur is prevalent compared to other animal species. In Arunachal Pradesh, use of insects is high in traditional medicines.
Tynsong H, Dkhar M, Tiwari BK. 2020. Review: Traditional ecological knowledge of tribal communiti... more Tynsong H, Dkhar M, Tiwari BK. 2020. Review: Traditional ecological knowledge of tribal communities of North East India. Biodiversitas 21: 3209-3224. Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) refers to the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and tribal people relating to the understanding of structure and functioning of neighboring natural ecosystems and their use for human welfare. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature relating to TEK held by the tribal and other traditional societies of North East India. The region is very rich in TEK pertaining to species, ecosystems, and their interactions including their sustainable management and utilization in forestry, fisheries, agriculture, food, crafts, dye, and health care. Some of these TEK based knowledge systems are at par or even superior to the resource management practices evolved under the ambit of modern knowledge. Though a substantial chunk of TEK of tribal communities of North East India has been documented, huge treasures of such knowledge remain unreported and hence are on the verge of being lost.
Tynsong H, Tiwari BK, Dkhar M. 2018. Plant diversity of Betel Leaf Agroforestry of South Meghalay... more Tynsong H, Tiwari BK, Dkhar M. 2018. Plant diversity of Betel Leaf Agroforestry of South Meghalaya, Northeast India. Asian J For 2: 1-11. Large areas of lowland tropical forests of South Meghalaya have been converted into betel leaf agroforestry systems by the tribal people living in the area. The betel leaf agroforestry with diverse and structurally complex shade canopies conserve a significant portion of the original forest biodiversity. The impact of land use change on the biodiversity was studied using standard vegetation analysis and biodiversity estimation methods. A total of 160 plant species were recorded in natural forests out of which 75 were trees, 40 shrubs, and 45 herbs, while in betel leaf agroforestry, a total of 159 plant species, 94 trees, 17 shrubs and 48 herbs were recorded. A total of 34 tree species, 13 shrub species, and 14 herb species were common in both the land uses. All the plant species were native species. The study revealed that the conversion of natural forest to betel leaf agroforestry in South Meghalaya has no significant impact on tree and herb diversity. However, the basal area and density are affected to some extent. The land use change has also affected the density and diversity of shrubs. The study concludes that betel leaf agroforestry in South Meghalaya developed by the indigenous War Khasi tribe through experiential learning over several generations has emerged as a fairly sustainable agroforestry system causing minimal impact on plant diversity.
The tribal people who live in the area have converted signicant portions of lowland tropical for... more The tribal people who live in the area have converted signicant portions of lowland tropical forests in south Meghalaya into agroforestry systems. A considerable amount of the original forest biodiversity is preserved in these agroforests with diversied and structurally complex shade canopies. Standard vegetation analysis and biodiversity assessment methodologies were used to investigate the inuence of land use change on plant diversity. The study suggests that agroforests developed by the indigenous War Khasi people in south Meghalaya through experience learning over several generations have emerged as a relatively resilient agroforestry system with minimal inuence on plant diversity.
Traditional knowledge on the use of Gynocardia odorata R. Br. seed as medicine and poison has rel... more Traditional knowledge on the use of Gynocardia odorata R. Br. seed as medicine and poison has relatively been well documented, whereas there is still a lack of adequate research on its use as food. The seed of G. odorata is an important wild edible in the state of Meghalaya having well-established market chain and a consumer base. This study reports the traditional knowledge-based depoisoning process of the seed of G. odorata by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya. The study revealed that the cost/benefit ratio is highly favourable to the collector/producer as well as traders leading to the domestication of the tree in arecanut agroforests. It is concluded that the valuable ethnobotanical knowledge of the people needs to be documented for sustainable utilization of this bioresource.
The paper reports and analyses the findings of Traditional Ecological Knowledge associated with f... more The paper reports and analyses the findings of Traditional Ecological Knowledge associated with fish harvesting practices of War Khasi community, a sub tribe of Khasi , inhabiting southern slopes of Meghalaya. The study area has a forested landscape and harbours dense network of streams and rivers, viz. Wah Umsong, Wah Umsi, Wah Umshrei, Wah Umkhat, Wah Durit and Wah Umjar. These rivers and their associated water bodies are impregnated with a variety of fish and other aquatic life forms, which constitute a sizable part of the diet of local people. The War Khasi community has evolved several traditional fish-harvesting practices, locally known as Buh Kroh, Riam Kriah, Riam Khohka, Riam Kyllong, Ring Khashiar, Buh Ruh and Bia Dohpieh . The study revealed that these methods are most suited to local conditions, help in perpetual fish harvest and conservation of aquatic biodiversity of the region. The paper discusses the ecological and biodiversity value of these practices in the light o...
Tynsong H, Dkhar M, Tiwari BK. 2020. Review: Traditional ecological knowledge of tribal communiti... more Tynsong H, Dkhar M, Tiwari BK. 2020. Review: Traditional ecological knowledge of tribal communities of North East India. Biodiversitas 21: 3209-3224. Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) refers to the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and tribal people relating to the understanding of structure and functioning of neighboring natural ecosystems and their use for human welfare. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature relating to TEK held by the tribal and other traditional societies of North East India. The region is very rich in TEK pertaining to species, ecosystems, and their interactions including their sustainable management and utilization in forestry, fisheries, agriculture, food, crafts, dye, and health care. Some of these TEK based knowledge systems are at par or even superior to the resource management practices evolved under the ambit of modern knowledge. Though a substantial chunk of TEK of tribal communities of North East India has been documented...
Hunting for wild birds is stimulated by a variety of human uses of bird species, which constitute... more Hunting for wild birds is stimulated by a variety of human uses of bird species, which constitute important subsistence items in the livelihoods of the people living in War area of Meghalaya. In this paper, it is analysed the findings of an Ethnoecological research on traditional ecological knowledge associated with bird hunting techniques. In order to gain access the resources, hunters have developed a series of techniques and strategies described and discussed in the present work. The principal hunting techniques encountered are locally known as Suh Sim, Suh Sim Um, Suh Lynglit, Riam Shynroh, Riam Dkhoh and imitation. The study was conducted in 5 selected villages of South Meghalaya. The choice of hunting technique depends on the habits of the bird species. From conservation perspectives, active hunting techniques (Suh Sim and Suh Sim Um) have the greatest impact on the local bird diversity. Additional studies concerning bird hunting activities are desirable in order to regulate b...
Phrynium capitatum Willd. leaf is most common wrapping and packaging material used by the people ... more Phrynium capitatum Willd. leaf is most common wrapping and packaging material used by the people of Meghalaya. The shelf-life of these leaves is about four to five weeks. It has been in use since time immemorial for packing and wrapping of edible items such as common salt, jaggery (gur), lentil, fresh and dry fish, meat, betel leaf, fruits, vegetables, lime, channa (gram) and the like. This paper focuses on the contribution of this leaf to the income of rural poor of Meghalaya. The average production of Phrynium leaf was found to be 480kg/ha/year and the revenue was Rs. 2880/ha/year, out of which Rs.2,010 was a net earning of the collector. The maximum benefits accrued to the trader (56%), followed by the producer (28%), transporter (10%) and wage earner (5%). The demand of leaves is high, since local people prefer Phrynium leaf for packing food items over polythene because of its capacity in retaining moisture and keeping the packed edibles fresh and lasting longer. Since most prod...
H. Tynsong, BK Tiwari and MB Lynser Centre for Environmental Studies, North-Eastern Hill Universi... more H. Tynsong, BK Tiwari and MB Lynser Centre for Environmental Studies, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, lndia. introduction Medicinal plant sector has traditionally occupied an important position in the socio cultural, spiritual and medicinal arena of rural ...
The survival of mankind depends upon the availability of bioresources and their proper management... more The survival of mankind depends upon the availability of bioresources and their proper management. War Khasi tribe of Meghalaya nurtured bioresources in the vicinity of their habitations, near water sources, on steep slopes and other ecologically sensitive lands. Traditional knowledge based management practices can be seen in forest management in the form of sacred groves, village restricted forests, village supply forests, clan forests, traditional fish harvesting, traditional bird harvesting, water conservation and traditional herbal treatment. In this paper, we investigate and document, traditional knowledge associated with management and utilization of various bioresources by War Khasi tribe of south Meghalaya.
Indian Journal of Innovations and Developments, 2012
Fungi and bacteria populations, urease and phosphatase activities and various physico chemical ch... more Fungi and bacteria populations, urease and phosphatase activities and various physico chemical characteristics of the disturbed and undisturbed forest soils were investigated for a period of one year. We found that fungal and bacterial populations exhibited almost a similar trend of monthly variations in the soils of the disturbed and undisturbed forest stands during the study period. The soil of the undisturbed forest stand harbored higher fungal and bacterial populations as compared to that of the disturbed forest stand. It was observed that the urease and phosphatase activities were slightly higher in the disturbed forest stand than that in the undisturbed forest stand. The urease activity was found to be maximum in the month of June and minimum in the month of January in both the forest stands, whereas, in the case of phosphatase activity the maximum activity was observed in the month of July and minimum in the month of November. Fungal population showed a positive significant c...
Tynsong H, Tiwari BK, Dkhar M. 2018. Plant diversity of Betel Leaf Agroforestry of South Meghalay... more Tynsong H, Tiwari BK, Dkhar M. 2018. Plant diversity of Betel Leaf Agroforestry of South Meghalaya, Northeast India. Asian J For 2: 1-11. Large areas of lowland tropical forests of South Meghalaya have been converted into betel leaf agroforestry systems by the tribal people living in the area. The betel leaf agroforestry with diverse and structurally complex shade canopies conserve a significant portion of the original forest biodiversity. The impact of land use change on the biodiversity was studied using standard vegetation analysis and biodiversity estimation methods. A total of 160 plant species were recorded in natural forests out of which 75 were trees, 40 shrubs, and 45 herbs, while in betel leaf agroforestry, a total of 159 plant species, 94 trees, 17 shrubs and 48 herbs were recorded. A total of 34 tree species, 13 shrub species, and 14 herb species were common in both the land uses. All the plant species were native species. The study revealed that the conversion of natura...
Hussain JF, Tynsong H. 2020. Review: Ethno-zoological study of animals-based medicine used by tra... more Hussain JF, Tynsong H. 2020. Review: Ethno-zoological study of animals-based medicine used by traditional healers of Northeast India. Asian J Ethnobiol 4: 1-22. Since ages, plants and animals have been used in human cultures as therapeutics. Animals have not only acted as a source of food for humans, but have also been commonly used in applications such as medicine, clothes, and other related services. The use of animals and animal products in traditional methods of treating diseases, and for many other reasons, dates back to the early days of civilization. Treatment of human diseases using animal-derived products is called zootherapy or ethno-zoology. Despite the worldwide utilization of ethno-zoology in the form of traditional medicines based on animals, a thorough and comprehensive study of zootherapy in comparison to plant-based medicinal research is still ignored. This study is an attempt to highlight available knowledge on ethno-zoological therapeutic applications used by different traditional healers of NorthEast (NE) India. With regard to the frequency of animal species, the use of mammals and mammalian products is found to be the highest in NE India as compared to other animal groups, while use of fish-based medicine in the state of Manipur is prevalent compared to other animal species. In Arunachal Pradesh, use of insects is high in traditional medicines.
Tynsong H, Dkhar M, Tiwari BK. 2020. Review: Traditional ecological knowledge of tribal communiti... more Tynsong H, Dkhar M, Tiwari BK. 2020. Review: Traditional ecological knowledge of tribal communities of North East India. Biodiversitas 21: 3209-3224. Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) refers to the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and tribal people relating to the understanding of structure and functioning of neighboring natural ecosystems and their use for human welfare. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature relating to TEK held by the tribal and other traditional societies of North East India. The region is very rich in TEK pertaining to species, ecosystems, and their interactions including their sustainable management and utilization in forestry, fisheries, agriculture, food, crafts, dye, and health care. Some of these TEK based knowledge systems are at par or even superior to the resource management practices evolved under the ambit of modern knowledge. Though a substantial chunk of TEK of tribal communities of North East India has been documented, huge treasures of such knowledge remain unreported and hence are on the verge of being lost.
Tynsong H, Tiwari BK, Dkhar M. 2018. Plant diversity of Betel Leaf Agroforestry of South Meghalay... more Tynsong H, Tiwari BK, Dkhar M. 2018. Plant diversity of Betel Leaf Agroforestry of South Meghalaya, Northeast India. Asian J For 2: 1-11. Large areas of lowland tropical forests of South Meghalaya have been converted into betel leaf agroforestry systems by the tribal people living in the area. The betel leaf agroforestry with diverse and structurally complex shade canopies conserve a significant portion of the original forest biodiversity. The impact of land use change on the biodiversity was studied using standard vegetation analysis and biodiversity estimation methods. A total of 160 plant species were recorded in natural forests out of which 75 were trees, 40 shrubs, and 45 herbs, while in betel leaf agroforestry, a total of 159 plant species, 94 trees, 17 shrubs and 48 herbs were recorded. A total of 34 tree species, 13 shrub species, and 14 herb species were common in both the land uses. All the plant species were native species. The study revealed that the conversion of natural forest to betel leaf agroforestry in South Meghalaya has no significant impact on tree and herb diversity. However, the basal area and density are affected to some extent. The land use change has also affected the density and diversity of shrubs. The study concludes that betel leaf agroforestry in South Meghalaya developed by the indigenous War Khasi tribe through experiential learning over several generations has emerged as a fairly sustainable agroforestry system causing minimal impact on plant diversity.
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Papers by DR. H Tynsong
into agroforestry systems. A considerable amount of the original forest biodiversity is preserved in these agroforests with
diversied and structurally complex shade canopies. Standard vegetation analysis and biodiversity assessment methodologies were used to
investigate the inuence of land use change on plant diversity. The study suggests that agroforests developed by the indigenous War Khasi people
in south Meghalaya through experience learning over several generations have emerged as a relatively resilient agroforestry system with minimal
inuence on plant diversity.
into agroforestry systems. A considerable amount of the original forest biodiversity is preserved in these agroforests with
diversied and structurally complex shade canopies. Standard vegetation analysis and biodiversity assessment methodologies were used to
investigate the inuence of land use change on plant diversity. The study suggests that agroforests developed by the indigenous War Khasi people
in south Meghalaya through experience learning over several generations have emerged as a relatively resilient agroforestry system with minimal
inuence on plant diversity.