Novel plant uses and their conservation status in a semi-arid subtropical region of Pakistan

Authors

  • Muhammad Zamin KOHAT UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
  • Muhammad Adnan Department of Botany, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat-26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
  • Shaheen Begum Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University, the Mall Rawalpindi-46000, Pakistan
  • Irfan Ullah Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan-23200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: The semiarid subtropical regions of Pakistan are known for their diverse native flora used for medicinal and cultural purposes by local communities. Unfortunately, these plants are threatened by improper harvesting, habitat degradation, and fragmentation. To address this issue, this study was designed to corroborate the traditional uses of native flora and the status of their conservation in District Kohat, Pakistan.

Methods: An ethnobotanical approach was used to gather primary information on plant species, including semi-structured questionnaires and corner meetings. Pearson's correlation test and ethnobotanical indices were employed to analyze the importance of documented medicinal flora. Additionally, medicinal flora's conservation status was determined using species inventory, population decline, and IUCN Red List data.

Results: The study revealed an inventory of 103 plant species, with 36 newly reported recipes, 15 other uses, 14 medicinal uses, and 7 specific part uses. Herbs were the most dominant plant type, with leaves and young twigs being the frequently practiced plant parts. Senegalia modesta (Wall.) P.J.H. Hurter, Bauhinia variegata L., and other species had high fidelity values. The study also found that 44 plant species were highly threatened, 30 moderately threatened, 17 less threatened, and 12 not considered threatened.

Conclusions: The research presents a comprehensive list of plant species and their uses, shedding light on significant cultural and ecological aspects. This study underscores the importance of innovative applications of specific plant species in traditional practices. However, there is a worrisome number of endangered plant species, which require conservation efforts. Overall, the research highlights the significance of sustainable practices in safeguarding this valuable traditional knowledge.

Keywords: Medicinal Plants, Semiarid region, NWEPs, Novel applications, Kohat, Pakistan

Author Biographies

Muhammad Zamin, KOHAT UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

PhD Scholar,

Department of Botany, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat-26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Muhammad Adnan, Department of Botany, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat-26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Associate Professor,

Department of Botany, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat-26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan 

Shaheen Begum, Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University, the Mall Rawalpindi-46000, Pakistan

Faculty Member,

Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University, the Mall Rawalpindi-46000, Pakistan

Irfan Ullah, Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan-23200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

M. Phil Scholar,

Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan-23200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Downloads

Published

2024-06-06

How to Cite

Zamin, M., Adnan, M. ., Begum, S., & Ullah, I. (2024). Novel plant uses and their conservation status in a semi-arid subtropical region of Pakistan. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 29, 1–49. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/5953

Issue

Vol. 29 (2024)

Section

Research

License

All articles are copyrighted by the first author and are published online by license from the first author. Articles are intended for free public distribution and discussion without charge. Accuracy of the content is the responsibility of the authors.