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Proceedings of the International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2013, 3(1): 25-35
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Threatened medicinal plants of Menwarsar Pahalgam, Kashmir Himalayas: Distribution pattern and current conservation status

Bilal Ahmad Baig1, Duraisamy Ramamoorthy1, Tariq Ahmad Bhat2
1Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry- 605014, India
2Department of Education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Received 26 November 2012;Accepted 30 December 2012;Published online 1 March 2013
IAEES

Abstract
It is imperative to understand the distribution and conservation status of medicinal plants in their natural habitats, owing to their increased demand and value. We studied the distribution pattern and current conservation status of six threatened medicinal plants in Pahalgam valley, Kashmir Himalayas, by random quadrate sampling (n=216) in different habitat types. The different uses of medicinal plants were obtained by informal interviews and group discussions with family elders. Recent re-emergence of herbal medicine applicability along with the ever escalating threats to biodiversity and the intensifying Biopyracy controversions have necessitated for an urgent documentation of the traditional use of bioresources. This survey, in addition to the precious ethno medicinal information, recorded the important natural history details. Our results indicate that Podophyllum hexandrum Royle is most common and has the highest density. While Arnebia benthamii (Wall ex Benth) I.M. Johnston and Mecanopsis aculeata Royle are least frequent. Moist rocky slopes (MR) were the most preferred habitat followed by flat tableland (FL) situated above the tree line. While the shady slopes (SSs), flat meadow (FM) and moist meadow (MM) were least preferred. Our findings can help to formulate a conservation strategy for the unknown grass lands and the threatened vital medicinal plants of Pahalgam valley. While the low and localized distribution of all studied species deserves effective conservation strategies, the scope of such measures should be explored in a way to address the reliance of local communities on these plants.

Keywords medicinal plants;Pahalgam valley;Kashmir Himalayas;bioresources;ethno-medicine;conservation strategy.


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