Journal of Forest and Environmental Science

Institute of Forest Science, kangwon National University (강원대학교 산림과학연구소)
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Variation of Medicinal Plants Species Richness along Vertical Gradient in Makawanpur District, Nepal

  • Received : 2020.09.01
  • Accepted : 2021.05.13
  • Published : 2021.06.30
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Abstract

The research attempted to analyze the medicinal plant species richness in the vertical gradient from lower to the highest elevation of Makawanpur, focusing on the relationship between species richness and elevation which is very important for conservation and management of species diversity. Inventory was carried out in the study area by taking sampling intensity of 0.5% in the effective area. Altogether, 42 sample plots were laid in the field with the help of GIS software maintaining 50 m altitude difference. High species diversity was found in the herbs species whereas shrubs have comparatively low species diversity. The maximum species richness is found in herbs and poles whereas shrubs and trees have relatively low species richness. Research showed that species richness of medicinal plants increased with altitudinal gradient. While analyzing the species richness from 350 to 2,550 m (msl), the highest species richness was received with the elevation ranges from 1,800 m to 2,300 m. There was a positive relationship between species richness and altitudinal gradient in the study area. In addition, we have recorded the high value medicinal plants after 1,800 m altitude and rarely within 1,000 m. Medicinal plants correlated both positive and negative relationships with the increased altitude. The altitudinal response has positively seen except density (n/ha) of Shrubs. Domestication and cultivation of high value medicinal plants should be promoted in community forest including private lands. Training, workshops and awareness programs should be conducted to make people aware about medicinal plants resource utilization, conservation and commercialization of available medicinal plants.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors acknowledge the Tribhuvan University, Office of the dean for granting permission to study the medicinal plants species richness along the vertical gradient in Makawanpur district, Nepal. We sincerely thank Riseshwor, Hatemalo and Parbati CFUGs for issuing the permission for the collection of data. Special thanks go to Prof. Dr. Lichun Jiang, Professor Prof. Dr. Krishna Raj Tiwari, Prof. Dr. Santosh Rayamajhi and A. Prof. Mahendra Singh Thapa for providing the feedback and comments for the research.

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