There are four major forest types exist in the state namely tropical forest, sub-tropical forest, temperate forest and alpine forest (Kaul and Haridasan 1987). The forest cover and tree cover is 66,964 sq. km and 807 sq. km, respectively. The forest cover and tree cover of Arunachal Pradesh is 83,743 sq.km and 1,001 sq.km, respectively. Moderately dense forest is dominant forest category (30,176 sq. km) followed by very dense forest (21,058 sq.km) and open forest (15,197 sq.km) (State of Forest Report 2021).
The total population of the state is 13.84 lakhs and population density is 17 persons per sq.km (Census of India 2011). About 80% of population lives in rural area and their main occupation is farming. The livestock population is 1.41 million (Livestock census 2012). Settled agriculture and shifting cultivation are their traditional farming practices. The village council of some major tribes are Mnagma (Monpa tribe), Kebang (Adi tribe) etc., which is an important pillar of the tribal society that helps in maintaining the socio-cultural and political aspects.
The socio-cultural profile of following selected tribes:
1. Adi tribe
Population: 2,50,000 (Census of India 2011)
Districts: Upper Siang, West Siang, East Siang, Lower Dibang valley & Lohit
Major festivals: Aran, Solung, Etor & Podi barbii
Traditional attires: Gale (Long skirt), galuk ( Shirt for men) etc.
Farming practices: Settled and shifting cultivation
2. Apatani tribe
Population: 80,000 (Census of India 2011)
Districts: Ziro valley of Lower Subansiri district
Major festivals: Dree and Myoko
Traditional attires: Kente tarii (Women jacket), Kente abi (Skirt), Jilang pulye (Shawl) etc.
Farming practices: Wet rice cultivation
3. Monpa tribe
Population: 60,545 (Census of India 2011)
Districts: Tawang, West Kameng and some part of East Kameng.
Major festivals: Losar, Choskar & Torgya
Traditional attires: Shingka (Sleeveless chemise), Tudung (Jacket for women), Khanjar(Shirt for men)
Farming practices: Settle and shifting cultivation
Horticultural crops: Apple, kiwi, etc.
Handicraft items: Household items such as Kitong (Bamboo cup), Gorbu (Wooden plate), Karuk (wooden cup), Shangkor (winnower) etc. and agricultural implements such as wooden handles of sickle (Gurdung) and diggers (Tsau).
Handloom practices: Traditional attire making, carpet (Tan) making, bags making etc.
4. Nyishi tribe:
Population: 2,49,824 (Census of India 2011)
Districts: Papum Pare, Kurung Kumey, East Kameng, West Kameng, Kra Daadi, parts of Lower Subansiri, Kamle, Pakke Kesang districts of Arunachal Pradesh and some parts of Sonitpur and North Lakhimpur districts of Assam.
Major festivals: Nyokum Yullo, Boori Yullo and Longte Yullo.
Traditional attires: Gale (Long skirt), Pomo jacket, Parhej (Mantle/shawl) etc.
Farming practices: Jhum cultivation.
Horticultural crop: Orange plantation
Handicraft items: Bopia (Head gear), Nara (Bag made of cane or bamboo), egin (Bamboo busket) etc.
Handloom practices: Traditional attire making
5. Wancho tribe
Population: 56,866 (Census of India 2011)
Districts: Longding district
Major festivals: Oriah
Traditional attires: Khahit, Nipong and Nitho.
Farming practices: Jhum cultivation
Horticultural crop: Orange & banana plantation
References:
Chatterjee, S., Saikia, A., Dutta, P., Ghosh, D., Pangging, G. and Goswami, A.K. (2006). Biodiversity Significance of North East India." WWF-India, New Delhi. http://trpenvis.nic.in/test/doc_files/BiodiversitySignificanceNEIndia_WWF.pdf
Myers, N., Mittermeier, R. A., Mittermeier, C. G., Da Fonseca, G.A.B. and Kent, J. (2002). Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Nature, 403(24) : 853-858.
Wikramanayake, E., E. Dinerstein, C. Loucks, D. Olson, J. Morrison, J. Lamoreux, M. McKnight & P. Hedao. (2001). Terrestrial Ecoregions of the Indo-Pacific: A Conservation Assessment. Island Press, Washington, D.C.
State of Forest Report (2021). Indian State of Forest Report 2021. Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, India. https://fsi.nic.in/forest-report-2021
Census of India (2011). Census of India. New Delhi. https://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/districtlist/arunachal+pradesh.html#:~:text=Arunachal%20Pradesh%20is%20an%20State,spread%20over%2083%2C743%20Sq%20Km.
Livestock census (2012). 19th Livestock Census-2012 All India Report. Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, New Delhi. https://dahd.nic.in/sites/default/filess/Livestock%20%205_0.pdf