Evaluating the Socio-Economic Impact of Wildlife Hunting on the Livelihood of the Ethnic Garo Tribe in Madhupur, Bangladesh
Israt Jahan Shyama
University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh.
Junaid Hossain Rasin
Department of Pharmacy, University of Information Technology and Sciences, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
Raf Ana Rabbi Shawon
Laboratory of Wildlife Resources, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.
Iqramul Haque Sagor
Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh.
Md. Jannat Hossain *
Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna 9100, Bangladesh.
Md. Matiur Rahman *
Department of Medicine, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem balance, providing food, medicine, and economic benefits, and supporting climate regulation. However, the destruction of flora and fauna harms the natural ecosystem, which impacts the country both economically and culturally. This study aims to find out the impacts of wildlife hunting on the livelihoods of the Garo Tribe, drawing on socio-economic and ecological perspectives. A total of 150 Garo people voluntarily participated in a well-structured questionnaire from different villages surrounding the Madhupur National Forest (MNF), where the majority (51.33%) lived on a low income. Therefore, they indirectly depend on forests for food and fuel. This study found 79 species of 19 orders under 55 families of Amphibians (6.33%), Reptiles (12.66%), Aves (63.29%), and Mammals (17.72%) which covered 8.58% of the total wildlife populations in Bangladesh. Historically, wildlife hunting has served as a fundamental means of food security and cultural expression for the Garo; however, unsustainable hunting practices have led to a decline in wildlife populations. As a result, 17 species of under 15 families of Mammals, Aves, and Reptiles were found to be regionally extinct in MNF. Threats to the biodiversity of the MNF highlight the importance of local conservation efforts. Understanding the consequences, the Garo people are now focusing on alternative livelihood strategies that mitigate the environmental impact. Strengthening partnerships between governments, NGOs, and indigenous communities can co-develop conservation policies that tackle wildlife hunting's root causes while promoting socio-economic resilience and cultural preservation.
Keywords: Biodiversity, conservation, Garo Tribe, hunting, wildlife, socio-economic