Conservation and management of endangered plants in NW Himalayas.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Need of conservation & management of endangered plant species of north western himalayas- a review
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:
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P. K. Chauhan, Sunayna Singh, Janmeet Kour and Manjeet Singh
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Need of conservation & management of endangered plant species of north western himalayas- a review
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The Indian Himalayan Region is recognized as a significant hotspot of biological diversity, encompassing 18% of India's land area, characterized by a vast range of altitudes from 200 to 8000 meters. This region is home to around 8,000 species of angiosperms, many of which are endemic, alongside a variety of other plant groups including gymnosperms and fungi. Among these, approximately 1,748 species are medicinal plants utilized in various traditional systems, such as Ayurveda and Unani, as well as in modern pharmaceutical industries. The unique climate and geophysical conditions of the Himalayas promote the development of novel compounds, making it a rich resource for herbal medicines.
Over-Exploitation of Medicinal Plants
The Himalayan region faces significant threats due to the over-exploitation of its medicinal plant resources. Increased global demand for herbal products has led to unsustainable harvesting practices, resulting in the extinction of over 150 plant species. Approximately 90% of the medicinal plants used in herbal industries are sourced from the wild, with around 70% subjected to destructive harvesting. These pressures, driven by habitat degradation and illegal trade, have serious implications for the survival of many species, particularly those found in the fragile sub-alpine and alpine ecosystems.
Status of Endangered Species
Research conducted by the Himalayan Forest Research Institute and other organizations has identified a concerning number of endangered plant species in the North-Western Himalayas. Out of 457 documented species, 60 are categorized as endangered, including three critically endangered species. Specific species such as Aconitum heterophyllum and Saussurea obvallata are highlighted as critically endangered. The conservation status of these species underlines the urgent need for targeted research and preservation efforts to prevent further loss of biodiversity in the region.
Need for Conservation
The importance of conserving medicinal plant diversity in Himachal Pradesh is increasingly recognized as unsustainable practices threaten many of its high-value taxa. Urgent conservation measures are required, including detailed studies on population structure and regeneration rates. Furthermore, the traditional knowledge surrounding these plants is rapidly fading, necessitating documentation and study of indigenous uses before they are lost completely.
In conclusion, the ecological significance and precarious status of numerous medicinal plants in the Indian Himalayas call for proactive conservation strategies. Effective management should involve preparing detailed micro plans for essential species, utilizing both traditional propagation techniques and modern biotechnology for rehabilitation, and fostering community awareness and participation in sustainable resource management. Collaboration with international organizations to promote research and integrate local knowledge will be vital for safeguarding these invaluable plant resources.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of medicinal plants in Himachal Pradesh?
Medicinal plants in Himachal Pradesh are vital for local communities, providing essential healthcare resources. They are used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and have potential uses in modern pharmaceuticals.
How many endangered medicinal plant species are found in Himachal Pradesh?
Out of 457 medicinal plant species in Himachal Pradesh, 60 are classified as endangered, including 3 critically endangered species and 44 endangered species.
What are some major causes for the decline of medicinal plants?
Major causes include habitat degradation, unsustainable harvesting, and over-exploitation due to rising global demand for herbal products, placing immense pressure on medicinal plant populations.
What efforts are needed to conserve endangered plant species?
Conservation efforts require detailed studies on population structures, sustainable harvesting practices, and propagation techniques to ensure the survival of endangered plant species.
Why is traditional knowledge about medicinal plants fading?
Traditional knowledge about medicinal plants is decreasing due to the decline in traditional healthcare systems and the diminishing oral transmission of this knowledge among communities.
What role do international organizations play in plant conservation?
Organizations like WWF and UNESCO could promote research on ethnobotanical knowledge and integrate local practices in resource management, supporting conservation of threatened plant species.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Conservation and management of endangered plants in NW Himalayas.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Himalaya (Himālaya, Hima-alaya):
Himalaya refers to the mountain range that houses diverse ecosystems, including significant flora and fauna. It is critical for its rich biodiversity and serves as a reservoir of medicinal plants. Local communities depend on these resources, highlighting the Himalaya’s ecological importance and the necessity of its conservation for regional sustainability.
2) Medicine:
Medicine signifies the application of biological resources for therapeutic purposes. The Himalayan region is renowned for its medicinal plants, which are integral to traditional health care systems such as Ayurveda and Unani. Understanding the potential of these plants is crucial for pharmaceutical development and public health advancements.
3) Habitat:
Habitat denotes the natural environment in which plants and animals live. In the context of the Himalayas, habitats vary significantly across altitudes, influencing the distribution of numerous medicinal species. Protecting these habitats from degradation and unsustainable harvesting is essential for preserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.
4) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the understanding and information regarding the use of native plant species in traditional medicine. With the decline of traditional practices, the preservation of ethno-botanical knowledge is vital. It empowers local communities and aids in conservation efforts by promoting sustainable uses and appreciation for plant biodiversity.
5) Drug:
Drug implies a substance used for medical treatment. Many medicinal plants in the Himalayas are sources of phytochemicals that can lead to drug development. The global market’s growing interest in herbal medicines emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices to prevent over-exploitation and potential loss of these valuable resources.
6) Perception:
Perception relates to how local communities view their natural resources, including medicinal plants. Effective conservation efforts depend on understanding these perceptions, which can influence their willingness to engage in sustainable practices. Recognizing and integrating local viewpoints in resource management is crucial for enhancing conservation strategies.
7) Science (Scientific):
Scientific refers to knowledge derived from systematic study, crucial for understanding ecological systems and the properties of medicinal plants. Research in this domain helps inform conservation strategies and aids in the sustainable harvesting and management of flora in the Himalayas, supporting biodiversity preservation and human health.
8) Substance:
Substance denotes a particular chemical compound or material, which in the context of medicinal plants, refers to the bioactive compounds found within them. These compounds have therapeutic potentials and underscore the importance of protecting plant species to ensure that valuable medicinal substances are preserved for future use.
9) Tamala (Tamāla):
Tamala, or Cinnamomum tamala, is a species of tree native to the Himalayas, known for its aromatic leaves used in traditional medicine. Its classification as endangered highlights the urgent need for conservation measures to preserve not just the species, but also the cultural practices associated with its usage.
10) Renuka (Reṇukā, Reṇuka):
Renuka refers to a region in Himachal Pradesh that is home to diverse ecosystems and endangered medicinal plants. The area's unique flora offers opportunities for conservation studies, emphasizing the need to protect such crucial sites as they contribute to both ecological balance and the local economy through sustainable practices.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Conservation and management of endangered plants in NW Himalayas.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Traditional knowledge, Ethnobotanical knowledge, Plant derived drug.