Which state has officially recorded the Mithun (Bos frontalis) for the first time, highlighting generations of tribal rearing in the Dima Hasao district, after previously being listed under “others” in livestock censuses due to inadequate training of enumerators, and is now seen as a potential boost for eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture in the region?

The correct answer is Assam In News Assam officially recorded the mithun (Bos frontalis) for the first time in Dima Hasao district, despite the animal being reared by tribals for generations. Key Points In past livestock censuses, mithun was mistakenly categorized under "others" due to lack of proper training among enumerators , leading to its presence being overlooked by the government. Mithun, the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, is also found in Mizoram and Manipur, and is primarily reared for its meat. A team, including scientists from ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, spotted 35-40 mithuns in remote Zeme Naga villages during a recent visit. Challenges like geographical barriers and inbreeding exist, but the next livestock census, starting on September 1, 2024, will focus on accurately recording mithun populations. The discovery could boost eco-tourism in Dima Hasao , and there are plans to possibly classify the Assam mithun as a distinct variety. The recognition of mithun as a meat animal by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India led to September 1 being declared as Mithun Day in the Northeast.