Quantitative ethnoveterinary study on plant resource utilization by indigenous communities in high-altitude regions

Abstract

For millennia, ethnic knowledge has been intricately tied to local biodiversity and woven into the fabric of rural communities. Growing scientific evidence suggests that merging ethnic knowledge with new scientific findings can lead to socially acceptable and environmentally friendly approaches essential for the long-term prosperity of local communities. In the high-altitude region, where livestock raising is a key income source, and plant-based utilization for ethno-veterinary practices is widely practiced. In this context, this study was conducted with the aim of documenting the ethno-veterinary use of plant resources in different bio-geographical regions of Jammu and Kashmir's Himalayas (J & KH). Semi-structured interviews and group discussions were used to collect information. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation were conducted to analyze the data. We documented 148 species from 53 families that locals used for various purposes: medicine, fodder, tonic, antidote, magic, and also used to protect themselves from ectoparasite such as Pediculus humanus capitis by the local inhabitants. There were significant differences in the relative usage of plant resources across the three biogeographic regions. Comparatively, the highest number (41%) of plant species were used for ethnoveterinary in the Jammu region, while the lowest number (28%) of species were used in Kashmir. Across the regions, Kashmir and Jammu had the highest level of species similarity (17%), while Jammu and Ladakh had the lowest (1%). A cross-regional assessment of plant resources revealed that 18% of plants were shared among the regions. The reported use of Amaranthus blitum, Morus alba, Ficus palmata, Vitex negundo, Juniperus semiglobosa, Ulmus wallichiana, and Rumex nepalensis are novel for the ethno-veterinary uses of this part of the Himalayan region. The various dry unique traditional fodder preparations (gaaslov, gass khor, pan baath, kaandbaath, Lovgooad, Karb, and Phungma) from plant resources are reported for the first time from the Himalayan region and can be ascribed to the novelty of this study. Plant resources were not only a source of fodder and medicine but also presented themselves as an opportunity for livelihood generation. Therefore, our findings bridge the knowledge gap by documenting key ethnoveterinary applications of native plant species from the study region that are used to cure livestock diseases and disorders by the mountain inhabitants.

Keeping Healthy in Your Skin—Plants and Fungi Used by Indigenous Himalayan Communities to Treat Dermatological Ailments

“…The informants above the age of 50–60 years were more knowledgeable. Other writers had similar findings [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Most of the participants also shared other experiences using medicinal plants.…”

Climate Change and Human Activities, the Significant Dynamic Drivers of Himalayan Goral Distribution (Naemorhedus goral)

“…The extinction of local species is considered a leading cause of alterations in the structure and function of the ecosystem in any area [ 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 ]. Our research area includes multiple biodiversity hotspots, contains a high percentage of vulnerable species, and has seen an increase in recent years in the risk of extinction, mostly as a result of habitat degradation and illegal hunting [ 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 ].…”

Quantifying Landscape and Social Amenities as Ecosystem Services in Rapidly Changing Peri-Urban Landscape

“…Indeed, very few contributions have been made to evaluate the urban and peri-urban green spaces in developing countries by using the contingent's valuation methods and by asking the inhabitants their matters of concern, preferences, and opinions. This study, even if focused on Pakistan [49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59], demonstrates the usefulness of a cost-effective method to estimate the values connected with ES in peri-urban green areas that can be exported to other developing countries as well. The concluding part of the research will clarify the overall situation of the area with respect to associations between green spaces, green areas, and ecosystems and also introduce their research methods for assessment along with recommendations.…”