AN INTRODUCTION TO ETHNOZOOLOGY: The use of animal products in healing is an ancient and widespread cross-cultural practice. In the semi-arid region, animals and plants are widely used in traditional medicine and play significant roles in healing practices. Zootherapies form an integral part of these cultures, and information about animals is passed from generation to generation through oral folklore. Nevertheless, studies on medicinal animals are still scarce, especially when compared to those focusing on medicinal plants. The most frequently cited treatments focused on the respiratory system, and were mainly related to problems with asthma. Zootherapeutic products are prescribed as single drugs or are mixed with other ingredients. Mixtures may include several to many more valuable medicinal animals added to other larger.It is argued that many animal species have been overexploited as sources of medicines for the traditional trade. Additionally, animal populations have become depleted or endangered as a result of their use as experimental subjects or animal models.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, S.N.COLLEGE, KOLLAM, KERALA, INDIA. HE IS THE PRESIDENT OF KERALA ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCHERS ASSOCIATION (KERA).NASA AND IAU(INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL UNION) HAVE BEENNAMED A MINOR PLANET AFTER HIS NAME (5178 PATTAZHY PLANET) IN 2008.HIS NAME HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE WORLD CATEGORY SCIENTISTS LIST IN 2008.