Do cultural taboos regulate hunting in transitioning Indigenous
communities? The case of the Idu Mishmi of Northeast India
Do cultural taboos regulate hunting in transitioning Indigenous
communities? The case of the Idu Mishmi of Northeast India
12/8/25, 6:30 am
There is rising recognition of resource-use rights of Indigenous Peoples and
Local Communities (IPLCs) within wildlife conservation. Historically, sociocultural
institutions ensured wildlife sustainability in many IPLC areas. However, the
future viability of such institutions is uncertain as IPLCs change in response to external pressures and internal aspirations, potentially rendering many traditional
institutions weak and open to exploitation. This is particularly true for wildlife hunting, which remains a central sociocultural and economic activity for many IPLCs.
There is rising recognition of resource-use rights of Indigenous Peoples and
Local Communities (IPLCs) within wildlife conservation. Historically, sociocultural institutions ensured wildlife sustainability in many IPLC areas. However, the
future viability of such institutions is uncertain as IPLCs change in response to external pressures and internal aspirations, potentially rendering many traditional
institutions weak and open to exploitation. This is particularly true for wildlife hunting, which remains a central sociocultural and economic activity for many IPLCs.