Image copyrightSAYAN HAZRA

A tribe in the north-eastern Indian state of Nagaland gave up their ancient tradition of hunting to protect wildlife. Photographer Sayan Hazra chronicles life in the village years after it banished the practice.

At one time, 76-year-old Chaiyievi Zhiinyii was a skilled hunter. But he stopped hunting in 2001.

The Khonoma tribe gave up what was an important source of livelihood some 20 years ago in order to create a more stable ecosystem for future generations.

For centuries, many in the remote, hilly village spent the majority of their time hunting. They killed animals for sustenance but also because it was a tradition and a way of life.

Image copyrightSAYAN HAZRA

It all began in 1993 when some tribespeople began a campaign to stop hunting. They were spurred to act after they discovered that…