Dimapur: Nagaland’s iconic mithun has made global livestock history after ‘Nagami’ became the world’s first officially recognized mithun breed. ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun secured the registration, while the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources formally approved it, marking the first-ever documented mithun breed (Bos frontalis) in the world.
The centre submitted the proposal under the leadership of Director Dr Girish Patil S, while scientist Dr Harshit Kumar led the detailed breed characterisation. The recognition follows years of systematic research to address the long-standing absence of formal classification of mithun populations in the Northeast.
Calling the development a “Christmas gift” for the people of Nagaland, ICAR–NRC on Mithun said the recognition will open new avenues for focused conservation programmes and structured scientific breeding. It will also strengthen livelihood opportunities for mithun rearers.
Mithun, the state animal of Nagaland, holds deep cultural, social and economic significance for Naga tribal communities. However, despite its importance, the species remained outside formal breed documentation for decades, which limited conservation planning, genetic improvement and policy interventions.
To bridge this gap, ICAR–NRC Mithun carried out extensive phenotypic, morphometric and genetic studies. These efforts scientifically established the identity of mithun populations native to Nagaland. Researchers identified Nagami Mithun as a distinct breed based on physical features, ecological adaptation and genetic markers.
Nagami Mithun generally has a predominantly black coat with white markings on the lower legs. It also has a compact, sturdy body and strong adaptability to forested hill ecosystems. Genetic studies confirmed that this breed remains clearly distinct from other mithun populations across the Northeast.
Communities across several Nagaland districts widely rear the breed under traditional free-range systems. The animals graze in community-managed forests, reflecting their resilience and strong integration with local customs, governance systems and ecological settings.
According to ICAR–NRC, the registration is the result of sustained engagement with mithun rearers, village councils and state departments, along with rigorous scientific documentation. The achievement follows earlier milestones, including FSSAI recognising mithun as a food animal in 2023 and its inclusion in FAO’s domestic animal diversity information system the same year.