Andhra Pradesh - Kurnool   

Chenchus' skills go to seed

Staff Reporter

Ban on hunting renders these skills useless. But no move is made to record or preserve them

KURNOOL: Chenchus, semi-nomadic tribes inhabiting Nallamala forest tract, are considered expert animal psychologists. According to several studies, Chenchus are shrewd in locating a wild animal and stalking it silently.

Thorough knowledge of food habits, mating seasons and periods of aggression in the life cycle of wild animals helped Chechus hunt them effortlessly in the past. Also, Chenchus had profound knowledge of animals' anatomy and could attack them at vulnerable parts of the bodyand immobilize it in a short time. Chenchus were also good at meeting contingencies like bites from snakes and other poisonous animals. They were also considered expert honey collectors.

Hunting teams

But, those with thorough hunting skills were limited in number. So, hunting teams were formed with a mix of people of all ages and skills.

But since hunting almost ceased after the Wildlife Protection Act came into force, this traditional knowledge of Chenchus is under threat. As part of the International Accord, the National Biological Diversity Authority came into existence under the Biological Diversity Act 2002.

Neighbours' role

The Kerala and Karnataka Governments passed laws protecting the intellectual property rights bills but Andhra Pradesh was yet to make a law.

And no organised attempt is being made to record and preserve traditional knowledge of Chechus whose skills are acclaimed world-wide.

In Tamil Nadu, Irula tribes were organised into a cooperative for extracting venom from snakes, while in Kerala, tribals earned royalties on land provided to the Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute.

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Chenchus' skills go to seed

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