Abstract
IntroductionNon-timber forest products (NTFPs) have been an essential source for food, medicine, and handicraft products among the indigenous populations living in forested areas for millennia. Scientific research on the restoration of the importance of NTFPs and their value addition could potentially guide the development of new nutraceutical products in the future. The present study aims to investigate the diversity of non-timber forest products of the Karbi Anglong District of Assam in Northeast India.MethodsMultistage sampling technique was used for the study. A total of 70 respondents from 7 randomly selected villages were interviewed with a well-developed semi-structured questionnaire to explore the utilisation of NTFPs. Data analysis was done using four quantitative indices: (a) use report (UR), (b) use value (UV), (c) informant consensus factor (ICF), and (d) fidelity level (FL).ResultsA total of 138 plant species belonging to 59 families distributed in 110 genera were recorded and identified as NTFPs of 1 type or the other. These include 42% having ethnomedicinal use, 33% as edible forest products, 15% as household building materials and utensils, 6% as spices and condiments, and 4% as herbal dyes. Among the medicinal plant species, Abroma augustum (L.) L. f., Amaranthus spinosus L, and Geophila repens (L.) I. M. Johnst. showed the highest ICF and FL.ConclusionsThe present study confirms that NTFPs have played an essential role in the healthcare and livelihood of the indigenous people of the Karbi tribe throughout their generations and continue to do so. Also, the species with high value for both ICF and FL could be used for the development of new, cheap, effective, and eco-friendly herbal formulations for healthcare management leading to economic and social benefits to the indigenous tribe. However, anthropogenic pressure and overexploitation of NTFPs may lead to the loss of this precious natural resource from this area.
Highlights
Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have been an essential source for food, medicine, and handicraft products among the indigenous populations living in forested areas for millennia
NTFPs play a vital role in supporting livelihood security, development, and poverty reduction, especially for the rural communities living around forest areas (Cocks and Wiersum 2003; Cocksedge 2006; Endamana et al 2016)
This study explores NTFPs used by the indigenous Karbi community, evaluates different ethnobotanical indices, and examines the dependence of the forest dwellers on this existing resource in East Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary in the Karbi Anglong District of Assam
Summary
Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have been an essential source for food, medicine, and handicraft products among the indigenous populations living in forested areas for millennia. Other than timber or products of animal origin, that are harvested from forests and manipulated for human and animal use, are described as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) (Ros-Tonen et al 1995). NTFPs play a vital role in supporting livelihood security, development, and poverty reduction, especially for the rural communities living around forest areas (Cocks and Wiersum 2003; Cocksedge 2006; Endamana et al 2016). It has substantial cultural significance and value for various ethnic groups around the world. If the government and stakeholders take the initiative to Villages
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