The dense forests of Arunachal Pradesh are witnessing a profound cultural shift as the Nyishi tribe, long known for their hunting traditions, now emerge as protectors of wildlife.
Spurred by awareness campaigns and appeals from community leaders, hundreds of tribespeople are voluntarily surrendering their weapons, marking a historic step towards conservation.
Tamchi Kari (name changed), a 52-year-old tribesman from Keyi Panyor district, embodies this transformation. For over three decades, hunting was not just a livelihood but a cultural practice deeply rooted in his family’s history.
“My father was a skilled hunter, and hunting has been our tradition. We hunted for food, fun, and rituals,” he recalled.
Recently, however, Tamchi surrendered his double-barrel shotgun and airgun, crediting his children for this change. “My children, who are educated, convinced me that wildlife is depleting.
If they say it’s true, I believe them. I’m also getting old and can no longer trek into the forests,” he explained.
Tamchi’s story reflects a larger movement within the Nyishi community, spearheaded by the Nyishi Elite Society (NES), the tribe’s apex body.
Inspired by a state-wide conservation campaign launched in 2021 by Arunachal Pradesh’s Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Mama Natung, the NES began its own drive in September 2024.
A tradition reconsidered
“The hunting tradition, though deeply rooted in our culture, has severely impacted wildlife,” said NES Secretary Heri Maring.
“Over 200 guns and airguns have already been surrendered. We have reached out to all district units, asking them to organise awareness programmes and collect hunting gear voluntarily,” Maring said.
Brothers Lalung and Jordan Wahge of Keyi Panyor have joined this effort. Former hunters around the Pakke Tiger Reserve, they now advocate conservation.
“We want to encourage the youth to follow this path. In our circle alone, 22 people have surrendered their airguns,” said Lalung.
Biodiversity at risk
Arunachal Pradesh, with 80 per cent of its area under forest cover, has long been a sanctuary for biodiversity.
However, the proliferation of modern firearms has disrupted this delicate balance, leading to a sharp decline in wildlife populations.
“This movement underscores the critical role of Indigenous communities in conservation,” observed Bunty Tao, Range Forest Officer of Kamlang Tiger Reserve.
“Traditionally, tribal hunting was sustainable. But the advent of modern weapons disrupted this balance. The NES initiative is a pivotal moment, inspiring a larger dialogue about environmental ethics among tribal groups,” Tao said.
Echoes of change
The efforts of the Nyishi tribe have garnered attention from conservationists who view the initiative as a model for other communities.
“Only a holistic approach like this can inspire others to rethink their environmental responsibilities,” Tao remarked.
For tribesman Khoda Apik, surrendering his airgun was a challenging yet necessary decision.
“Hunting was once a tradition, but we now understand the value of wildlife. While we have surrendered our weapons, the government should impose a total ban on airguns to prevent misuse,” he urged.
A new dawn
The voluntary surrender of hunting weapons by the Nyishi community signals a significant cultural and environmental milestone.
As the forests of Arunachal Pradesh embrace this newfound stewardship, there is hope that they may soon echo once more with the vibrant sounds of wildlife.
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