PJB-2023-204
FLORISTIC COMPOSITION, CONSERVATION STATUS AND ETHNO-MEDICINAL PLANTS OF KUTWAL HARAMOSH, GILGIT
Shahab-Ud-Din
Abstract
The current study presents first inventory report of unexplored Kutwal valley. Simple random sampling method was followed to record the maximum no. of species, and conservation status of the species was checked by using IUCN Red list data. Folk ethnomedicinal knowledge was recorded through semi-structured questionnaires and direct interviews. About 154 species within 114 genera and 47 families were recorded, comprising 81.8% herbs, 11.6% shrubs and 6.6% trees. Hemicryptophyte was the dominant life form category with 107 species, while Asteraceae was the leading family with 25 species. About 92 plants from 40 families were reported for treating human ailments. S. Simpsoniana, B. lyceum, G. tianschanica, P. candollei, and D. brunonianum, exhibited highest use values of 0.9-1, and a fidelity level of 90-100%. Global conservation status of species was checked through IUCN red list and found that A. heterophyllum was endangered, A. violaceum was Vulnerable, A. filicinus was data deficient, about 12 species were least concerned, and the rest 138 species were secured. Overgrazing, overexploitation, natural hazards, deforestation, habitat loss, and anthropogenic activities were the major threats for flora. The study therefore highly suggest efforts for conservation of local flora, and recommends phytochemical studies to scientifically validate the documented medicinal plants.
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