DIVERSITY, INDIGENOUS USES AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF PLANTS USED IN SOCIO-CULTURAL TRADITIONS BY KINNAURA TRIBES OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

Abstract

Himachal Pradesh, one of India's Western Himalayan states, is well-known for its distinct culture, traditions and vegetation. Kinnaura is a major tribal community of Himachal Pradesh and for ages, these people are highly dependent on locally available plant resources for fulfilling daily livelihood needs including socio-cultural traditions. Therefore, an effort has been made to; (i) assess the diversity and utilization pattern of plant resources in socio-cultural traditions; (ii) identify endemism and nativity and the threat status of these species; and (iii) suggest management options for conservation. A total of 105 species belonging to 79 genera and 39 families representing trees (14 species), shrubs (17 species), herbs (73 species) and one climber were recorded. Among these, fifty-two species were native to the Himalayan region and fifteen species were near-endemic. Flowers of plants are used in the majority. Among these, eighteen species are in the various threat categories of threatened species. Due to increasing demand, habitat destruction and overexploitation, the population of the preferred species are depleting rapidly. Therefore, assessment of natural populations, demand and supply studies, harvesting trends, developments of propagation methods, afforestation of highly preferred species and community awareness for sustainable utilization and conservation of traditional knowledge have been suggested.