Current Trends in Commercial Extraction of Wild Medicinal Herbs from the Western Himalaya and Management Implications

The chapter reviews the current trends in the demand and extraction of wild medicinal herbs in the Western Himalaya. Using the case studies from the state of Himachal Pradesh, it provides information on highly traded species, current extraction pressure driven by market dynamics, and impact on the ecology and threat status of such species. The study reveals a shift in demand, with certain species like Trillium govanianum and Fritillaria cirrhosa experiencing a sudden surge in trade, primarily driven by illegal exports to China. The attractive market value has led to overharvesting, endangering the wild populations. Hotspots of extraction and changing trends in the number of collectors are discussed, emphasizing the need for evolving better management strategies based on regional CAMP workshops.