ETHNOMEDICINAL BELIEF, PRACTICE AND METHODS OF USING OWL IN BUDHIGANGA MUNICIPALITY, BAJURA, NEPAL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3126/jist.v31i1.58955Keywords:
God's vehicle , Hunting, Owls, Traditional knowledge, Traditional medicineAbstract
The use of ethnomedicine for disease treatment has been practiced since the early development of human civilization. However, traditional ethnomedicinal practices involving owls and their perceived therapeutic roles remain poorly documented and require further scientific investigation. Owls, considered as important predators that help control of pest populations, are also considered valuable indicators of ecological health. The present study aimed to collect traditional knowledge, medicinal beliefs, and practices associated with the use of owls in Budhiganga Municipality, Bajura, Nepal. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 388 respondents in the far western hilly region of Nepal. Among them, only 32 respondents had substantial knowledge regarding the traditional medicinal uses of owls, with the majority believing that owl-derived remedies could be used to treat cancer. Gender-wise analysis indicated that female respondents were more knowledgeable about the medicine. Similarly, age-group analysis found that ³59 age-groups had a high percentage of respondents with that knowledge (p < 0.05). Ethnic-group or caste-wise data revealed that most Brahmins had more knowledge but there was no variation on the knowledge with other ethnic groups. Occupational factors showed that respondents in the civil service had a higher level of knowledge of owl ethnomedicine (p < 0.05). The data showed that elderly citizens had greater faith in traditional medicinal uses and values of owls than younger generations. Various groups of people residing in Budhiganga Municipality, Bajura, Nepal, possess knowledge regarding owls and their traditional medicinal uses. Therefore, we recommend the development and implementation of appropriate policies and awareness programs to educate local communities about the ecological importance of owls and to discourage their use in traditional medicinal practices. Such initiatives would contribute to the conservation of owl populations while promoting sustainable and evidence-based healthcare practices.
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