Vulnerability Assessment of Alpine Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Paddar Valley of North Western Himalaya

The Himalayan region harbour a unique habitat for a number of high-value medicinal plants. Owing to inaccessibility of medical facility, inhabitants of this region are highly dependent on medicinal plants. In the current study, a total of 12 highly utilized and commercially exploited threatened Medicinal and Aromatic Plants species (MAPs) species were prioritized for ecological status and vulnerability assessment in Paddar valley out of the 72 alpine MAPs found in the region. To gather the information, a semi-structured questionnaire survey was conducted in 40 representative sites across the alpine landscape of Paddar valley based on the plant parts used, occurrence locality, area visited by pastoral communities and socio-economic aspects. Field surveys were carried out using a Rapid Mapping Exercise in alpine meadows which involved dividing the landscape in heterogenous habitats and laying transects of 500 m, and within each transect, establishing four plots of 1 m × 1 m at 50 m intervals resulting in a total of 44 plots in each transect. The transects was laid along an elevational gradient to assess the species population. To elucidate the intensity of threats, a Rapid Threat Assessment approach was employed using 8 vulnerability criteria such as plant parts used, life forms, habitat preferences, endemism, population size, patterns of use, trade and overall threat status. The results of the threat assessment indicated that Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth, Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soó, Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. Ex Royle and Fritillaria cirrhosa D.Don were among the most exploited species. Furthermore, it was observed that roots and rhizomes were the most commonly utilized parts of the MAPs, accounting for 80% of usage, followed by inflorescence and fruits at 20%. Six species were categorized as endangered (EN), five as critically endangered (CR) one as vulnerable (VU) as per CAMP and IUCN status. This study provides valuable insights into the status of selected Medicinal and Aromatic Plants species found in the alpine region of the Paddar Valley, highlighting the species that are currently under significant threat. The findings underscore the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard these valuable plant resources and the ecosystems they inhabit.