Ecological apparency and ethnobotanical knowledge: A study of plant use in the Fodara Dam Region of Barda Hills, Gujarat

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the ecological apparency hypothesis which posits that visible and abundant plants are used more frequently in the Fodara Dam region of the Barda Hills, Gujarat. It documents plant diversity and traditional use to bridge ecological and ethnobotanical knowledge for conservation. Methods: A total of 177 vascular plant species were documented through field surveys (2023-2025). Ethnobotanical data were collected from 60 informants using semi-structured interviews. Quantitative indices Habit Dominance Index (HDI) and Relative Frequency of Use (RFU) were applied to test the apparency hypothesis, and statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s correlation. Results: Herbs (39.55%) and trees (30.51%) were the dominant life forms. Medicinal use was predominant (45%), followed by food (25%) and fodder (15%). A significant positive correlation was found between HDI and RFU (R² = 0.574), supporting the ecological apparency hypothesis. Stems (26.7%) and leaves (23.0%) were the most frequently used plant parts. Conclusion: The findings confirm that ecologically dominant species are preferentially utilized by local communities. The study underscores the importance of integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into conservation strategies to ensure sustainable resource management and biodiversity protection in semi-arid ecosystems.