Ethnobotanical Documentation and Ecological Diversity of Non-Timber Forest Products in Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Abstract Background: Development and modernization of the world is leading and thereby shrinkage of traditional practices and forest encroachment became horrible. Nepal is a biologically and traditionally diverse country where people still rely on forest resources for their daily needs. Current work explores the ethnobotanical knowledge of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) and their ecology along the trekking route of Annapurna Conservation Area, Central Nepal. Methods: Sixty sample plots were laid at each 200 m, using a systematic random sampling method where abundance was noted and later NTFP species composition was plotted. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for interviewing fifty-four local respondents including local healers (Amchi)and elder farmers. Results: In total 228 NTFP species, belonging to 80 families and 167 genera were enumerated from ethnobotanical interviews and ecological data. Herbs were the dominant (95) life form among NTFP and Asteraceae (20 species) was the richest family in the area. Through an intensive ethnobotanical survey, only 59.21% (135 species) of total NTFP species were known to be in recent use at a local level. Leaf was the most frequently used plant parts and common NTFP species based on use value index were Rhododendron arboreum, Daphniphyllum himalayense, and Arisaema utile. The medicinal category comprised 83 species from 49 families and 69 genera with the highest informant consensus factor value for the treatment of jaundice (1), followed by fever (0.82), and gynaecological problems (0.78). Additionally, the highest fidelity level (1) shown the frequent use of Rhododendron arboreum for throat blockage relief. Ecological study revealed only 54.39% (124 species) of total NTFP, however, value of diversity indices; Shannon-Weaver index (4.22587) and Simpson index (0.98) were near to their optimum value with decreasing species richness along the altitudinal raise. Conclusions: Although, diversity indices were high, some valuable plants mentioned in interview were not recorded from sampling sites, which might be an indication for waning of those species from the area. Difference on total NTFP and recently used species shows shifting of social status, occupation, daily practices, and effect of modern treatments. Economic development can be boosted with sustainable utilization, cultivation, and monitoring of potential high value NTFP at natural habitat in the area.