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Pak. J. Bot., 45(SI): 243-251, 2013,

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ETHNOBOTANY AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF FLORAL DIVERSITY OF HIMALAYAN RANGE OF AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR – PAKISTAN

ABIDA BANO, MUHAMMAD AYUB, SOFIA RASHID, SHAZIA SULTANA AND HALEEMA SADIA

Abstract: The objective of the study was to determine the ethnobotanical uses and conservation status of the flora of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and its allied areas (Fig. 1). Among 168 species studied 140 plant species have medicinal value, 60 species were used as food, 109 species were used as fodder, 116 species were used for fuel purpose and 150 species were used for miscellaneous uses. Most of the plants are used for multiple purposes. A statistical formula was used to calculate the use values (UVs) of some selected species and the relationship between people’s age and extent of their knowledge about plants so as to develop a valuation hierarchy of the selected flora. Conservation status of threatened flora has also been determined according to IUCN criteria. Among 33 species, 12 species were vulnerable, 4 were endangered, 7 were critically endangered, 8 were rare and 2 species were extinct in the area. Rapid decline of plant resources needs in-situ and ex-situ conservation and training of the community regarding collection of medicinal plants and their marketing.

Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad Pakistan

^*Corresponding author’s e-mail: abidabano86@gmail.com