Which state has recorded the semi-wild bovine creature, mithun (Bos frontalis), for the first time?

Assam has recorded the presence of the mithun, a semi-wild animal, for the first time in Dima Hasao. Previously, mithuns were counted under the 'others' category in livestock censuses. Mithun is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland and is also found in Mizoram and Manipur. Scientists from ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun were part of the discovery team. Villagers reported a past decline in mithun population. The discovery may boost eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India recognized mithun as a meat animal in September 2023.