Revival of persistent native medicinal plants diversity through ravine restoration measures and their traditional uses in Chambal ravines of South-Eastern Rajasthan

Abstract

Restoration of ravine ecosystems is highly different and difficult task for ecologist and environmentalist due its dynamic and complexity in terrain deformation forces. Natural vegetation of these lands was very poor and sparse in distribution and diversity. It is due to natural factors as well as made factors like high intensity biotic interferences (grazing pressure) in form of illicit felling and collection fuel and fodder. Despite of this, very little information’s available about existence of medicinal plants on the typical ravine flora. The present study objective is to explore and elucidate the diversity and distribution of persistent native plants and their ethno medicinal uses in rehabilitated Chambal ravines (Rajasthan). In this study, 106 species observed and it represents 54 families of plant kingdom. The maximum revival of native plant species observed in rehabilitated ravines than open natural jungles. The documented indigenous plant species are having special stress tolerance capacity and ability to establish through root suckers to adopt this harsh and fragile environment. Through active and passive rehabilitation measures coupled with appropriate soil conservation techniques might foster the reappearance/revival of native medicinal species in rehabilitated ravine region. Now, special and proper attention towards documentation, conservation, sustainable utilization and awareness creation are highly needed to protect indigenous medicinal flora by appropriate active and passive restoration measures in fragile ecosystems.