International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Assistant Professor Dr. M. Stephen
Abstract: Economic zoology deals with the utilization of animals and animal-derived products for food, fibre, medicine, agriculture, industry and livelihood development. Traditionally, economically important zoological enterprises have included sericulture, apiculture, lac culture, fisheries, aquaculture, vermiculture and animal husbandry. In recent years, the field has expanded toward insect-based industries, biological control, pollination services, insect-derived biomaterials and circular bioeconomy applications. This review examines the economic, nutritional, agricultural and environmental significance of major animal-based enterprises using quantitative evidence. Global fisheries and aquaculture production reached approximately 235 million tonnes in 2024, including 195 million tonnes of aquatic animals, while aquaculture exceeded 100 million tonnes for the first time. The sector supports more than 600 million livelihoods worldwide.In India, insect-based enterprises such as apiculture, sericulture and lac culture remain important rural livelihood activities, while emerging applications include insect protein, pollination, waste decomposition and pharmaceutical products. Economic zoology therefore represents an important interface between biodiversity, food production, rural employment, industrial raw materials and sustainable resource utilization. The review highlights opportunities for integrating traditional zoological enterprises with emerging technologies to strengthen the circular bioeconomy.
