Repeated wolf attacks have begun to seriously threaten the traditional practice of gayal rearing in remote villages of Mizoram’s Serchhip district, causing heavy losses to farm families and endangering an activity deeply tied to Mizo culture. In the forested villages of Sailulak and Leng, near the Myanmar border, villagers say packs of wolves have been attacking gayals—locally known as sial—mostly during the night. Newborn and young calves have been the most frequent targets, disrupting the semi-domesticated rearing system that depends on free forest grazing. Gayal (Bo’s frontalis) are traditionally allowed to roam across large forest tracts, feeding on natural vegetation and returning instinctively to familiar grounds. While this free-ranging method defines gayal rearing, it has also left the animals highly vulnerable to predators.
Vanlalruata, a farmer from Sailulak village, said around 40 families are currently rearing nearly 250 gayals. The practice began in 2017 with just five families and about 50 animals, but repeated wolf attacks have caused major setbacks. “We knew it would be difficult, but we never imagined losing so many calves,” he said. Villagers estimate that since 2019, nearly 300 young gayals have been killed by predators, with wolves identified as the primary threat. Protecting newborn calves round the clock has become nearly impossible, farmers said. The problem is equally severe in neighbouring Leng village, where only 11 families now rear about 55 gayals, down from over 180 animals earlier. Farmer Tlanghmingthanga said repeated attacks have discouraged many families from continuing gayal rearing.
The State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department began promoting gayal domestication in 2019 by providing fencing materials, shelters and water ponds. However, officials say full fencing is impractical because the animal’s range over vast forest areas, sometimes crossing into Myanmar’s Chin State. Farmers have also raised concerns over delayed compensation from the Environment, Forests and Climate Change Department, saying timely payments are crucial for recovery after losses. For the Mizo people, gayals are more than livestock—they symbolise prosperity and social status and play an important role in cultural and religious ceremonies. Despite mounting losses, farmers say they are unwilling to abandon the practice, which they see as an essential link to their identity and heritage.
