Ecology and conservation of threatened medicinal plants in the Trans-Himalayan region of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya

Abstract

The Trans-Himalayan region is home to valuable medicinal plants with therapeutic properties. However, overgrazing, excessive harvesting, habitat destruction, and climate change have led to a decline in their wild populations. This study focuses on high-value and threatened medicinal plant species in the Trans-Himalayan region of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand. It analyzes their population status, trade, price trends, operative threats, and pressure level. The study also develops a habitat suitability map to understand the factors influencing their distribution. The research identified 34 high-value and threatened medicinal plant species in the region. Sinopodophyllum hexandrum had the largest potentially suitable area (11.10 km2), followed by Picrorhiza kurroa (7.65 km2) and Arnebia benthamii (4.39 km2). Saussurea obvallata (2.55 km2) and Dactylorhiza hatagirea (1.09 km2) had the smallest potential suitable areas. The excessive collection of these plants for medicine, local consumption and illegal trade is causing destructive impacts. This uncontrolled exploitation endangers their wild population, regeneration, and survival. To address this issue, the study recommends preparing micro-plans, assessing available growing stock, and implementing sustainable management practices to conserve the dwindling populations. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts in the Trans-Himalayan region.