ETHNOBIOLOGICAL NOTES ON THE KHASI AND GARO TRIBES OF MEGHALAYA, NORTHEAST INDIA

A total of 105 plants used for food and medicine and 11 animals hunted and gathered for meat by the Khasis and Garos of Meghalaya were ident ified. Of the total plants recorded, 85 were used by the Garos alone, only three by the Khasis whereas the other 17 were used by both tribes . In addition to fresh use in-season many plant products were processe d for storage and use off-season. Although all adults were familiar wi th various uses of plants and animals, the village elders were more kn owledgeable. Garos have especially knowledgeable curers. Wild foods ar e of particular value for tiding over lean periods when resources from agriculture and animal husbandry systems are scarce, especially for t he poorer sections of society. The importance of recording the use of plants and animals in this region is especially important because of r apid loss of rain forest habitats.