Insight to indigenous traditional knowledge on Capparis decidua (Kair) in arid and semi arid regions of India: An online based survey study

Abstract

Capparis decidua locally known as Kair, is a xerophytic shrub of immense ethnobotanical and socio-economic significance in the arid and semi-arid regions of India. The present study systematically documents the Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) associated with C. decidua, focusing on its diverse traditional uses across various districts of Rajasthan through online SurveyHeart platform. Respondents from Alwar, Barmer, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Sikar, Sri Ganganagar, Sawai Madhopur, and others and gathed information on its applications in food, medicine, fodder, fuel, wood, and environmental domains. A total of 85 participants contributed to the study, though responses exhibited a strong gender skew (95.3% male and 4.7% female). The analysis revealed that traditional medicinal use remains the most dominant category, with high ITK intensity recorded particularly in the western arid districts (Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jodhpur). The overall ITK levels ranged from 42 to 87, classifying districts into five intensity ranks, very high, high, moderate, low, and very low. The study underscores the importance of integrating traditional knowledge systems with scientific validation to promote the sustainable utilization, conservation, and potential pharmacological exploration of C. decidua. It also emphasizes the need for inclusive participatory approaches incorporating women and marginalized groups to ensure a holistic representation of ethnobotanical wisdom across communities.