Assessing anthropogenic pressure and threats on Paeonia emodi Wall.

ex Royle
habitats in Garhwal Himalaya
Praveen JOSHI, Prem PRAKASH, Vijay Kant PUROHIT
View online: [Link]

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J. Mt. Sci. (2023) 20(3): 810-820 e-mail: jms@[Link] [Link]
[Link]

Original Article

Assessing anthropogenic pressure and threats on Paeonia emodi Wall. ex

Royle habitats in Garhwal Himalaya

Praveen JOSHI1* [Link] e-mail: praveenjoshipj88@[Link]

Prem PRAKASH1 [Link] e-mail: drpp_bot@[Link]

Vijay Kant PUROHIT2 [Link] e-mail: vijaykantpurohit@[Link]

* Corresponding author

1 Department of Botany, Govt. M. B. P.G. College, Haldwani 263641, India

2 High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, H. N. B. Garhwal Central University, Srinagar Garhwal 263671, India

Citation: Joshi P, Prakash P, Purohit VK (2023) Assessing anthropogenic pressure and threats on Paeonia emodi Wall. ex
Royle habitats in Garhwal Himalaya. Journal of Mountain Science 20(3). [Link]

© Science Press, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, CAS and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2023

Abstract: The Garhwal Himalaya is among the major threats status, a rapid vulnerability assessment (RVA)
repositories of immensely valuable wild edible plants was performed and were used based on the current
and provides food security to the local population. exploitation and usage. The present study revealed
Among the valuable plant species that grow in this that leaf (100%) was the most frequently harvested
region, Paeonia emodi (family Paeoniaceae) is an part, followed by stem (95.65%), seed (26.09%), root
important wild edible species that found in temperate (21.74%) and flower (13.04%). The village
regions with an altitude range between 1800 and Triyuginarayan and Pothivasa recorded the highest
2800 m. The species is facing a severe threat to its collection scores while the purpose of the collection
sustainability due to overharvesting, habitat was mostly edible (100%), medicinal (100%), and
disturbances, and a lack of effort regarding least commercial (8.70%). According to the literature
conservation. For the first time, this study review and the present survey, the RVA (total = 21) is
investigated anthropogenic pressure, population categorized as category II (intermediate side of the
decline perceptions in the natural habitat, and RVA index), indicating a degree of vulnerability. The
vulnerability assessment of P. emodi under selected study revealed that P. emodi faces extinction in the
study sites (n=23 villages). A semi structured Garhwal Himalayas. Growing this species through
questionnaire was used to interview approximately 45% agro-production techniques may alleviate the
of the local inhabitants, including herbal practitioners pressure on the existing population as a result of the
(Vaidhyas or Dais) of each village. On the basis of availability of raw materials for commercial and
demographic characteristics, the perceptions and household uses. These findings will provide an
responses of 464 local people were documented effective framework for conservation and
regarding potential causes of deterioration and management decisions and plans.
feasible options for sustainable utilization. Using the
weight survey method, we estimated the actual Keywords: Anthropogenic pressure; Conservational
amount of collection based on personal interaction strategies; Garhwal Himalaya; Paeonia emodi; Rapid
and direct observation. In order to determine the vulnerability assessment; Wild edibles

Received: 13-Jun-2022
1st Revision: 22-Oct-2022 1 Introduction
2nd Revision: 01-Dec-2022
3rd Revision: 04-Jan-2023
Accepted: 13-Feb-2023 Having significant biodiversity and a place for

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 J. Mt. Sci. (2023) 20(3): 810-820

ecological research and biodiversity conservation, the tools, fiber, religious, grazing animals, litter and
Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is home to 1748 various wild edible plants (Sharma et al. 2014). As a
medicinal and aromatic plant species (Samant et al. result, plants and ecosystems often do not get time to
1998; Malik et al. 2014). Over the last few decades, recover adequately because of continuous human
increasing population trends and increasing activity such as trekking, camping, and tourism with
dependence on plant resources have led to the over- indiscriminate effects (Singh 1998; Singh et al. 2016).
extraction of natural vegetation in this part of the Recent studies have explored disturbance effects on
world (Uniyal et al. 2010). These activities threaten biodiversity in the Garhwal Himalayan forests
the survival of bioresources (especially high priority (Kumar et al. 2009; Bhat et al. 2012; Sharma et al.
MAPs) as well as produce environmental degradation 2014; Singh et al. 2015). The quantitative information
at a rapid rate, including grazing, trampling, cutting of a species plays a fundamental role in designing
plant material for fodder and fuelwood, removal of conservation and management plans as well as in
leaf litter from the forest floor and construction of understanding the ecological behavior of the species.
roads (Sharma et al. 2014). There is evidence that The target species is restricted to some specific
nearly 75%-80% of the world's population relies on habitats with declining density with the increasing
plant-based medicine for primary health care (Majaz altitudinal gradients in the Garhwal Himalaya
and Khurshid 2016). In India, approximately 1178 (Prakash et al. 2020).
medicinal plants are found in trade; of these, only 20% Among various wild edibles, Paeonia emodi Wall
species (242) are traded in high volumes (over 100 ex. Royle (Chandra) belongs to the family Paeoniaceae,
tons/annum) (NMPB 2017). Approximately 90% of mostly distributed in North-West India (Kashmir to
the growing demand for MAPs is met by wild sources Garhwal-Kumaun regions), Northern Pakistan, East
managed by local communities (Goraya and Ved Afghanistan, China and West Nepal (Hong 1997). Its
2017). According to the WHO, the herbal market in populations can be found between 1800m and 2800m
the world is likely to reach $5 trillion by the year 2050 above sea level in Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand
(NMPB 2017). In light of the increasing demand for (Rawat et al. 2010; Dobhal et al. 2011). Generally, this
natural healthcare formulations (cosmetics and species grows in moist deciduous mixed forests (Joshi
nutritional supplements), the natural stock of et al. 2017), preferring sandy to loam soils. The leaves
medicinal plants in the IHR is under enormous and stem in juvenile phase are edible as a wild
pressure (Singh et al. 2009; Malik et al. 2016; Sharma vegetable (fresh vegetable), whereas the fleshy roots
and Kala 2018). As a result, many useful species have are used for treating conditions of the uterus, as well
been eliminated from Himalayan regions due to the as for providing purification of the blood, while the
rampant collection of wild flora (Ram et al. 2004; seeds provide catharsis. Presently, the species is
Shrestha et al. 2013). The National Medicinal Plant facing adverse biotic and abiotic stresses due to
Board (2017) reports that 1,178 different species of multitude of factors such as over-extraction,
medicinal plants are tradable; of which 242 have overharvesting, overgrazing, trampling, climatic
annual consumption levels exceeding 100 metric tons variations (temperature, rainfall, and humidity) and
per year. forest fire (Shameem and Kangroo 2011) resulted in
In the Garhwal Himalayan region, medicinal the loss of availability in terms of declining the
plants provide a major source of livelihood to local density (Rawat et al. 2010; Khan et al. 2013; Negi et al.
communities. Several critically endangered MAPs 2018). The species is endemic to Himalayan regions,
such as Aconitum heterophyllum, Nardostachys and has already been regarded as vulnerable (CAMP
grandiflora, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Valeriana 1998; Samant et al. 1998) and near endangered
wallichii, Jurinea dolomiaea, Polygonatum (Rawat et al. 2010; Fazal et al. 2013; Wang 2013).
verticillatum, Paris poliphylla, Arnebia benthamii, Keeping in mind the wide applications and limited
Trillium govanianum, Picrorrhiza kurrooa and information obtainable of target species as habitat
Fritillaria roylei are being overexploit for their disturbances, the present study, is therefore, to assess
therapeutic potential (Padalia et al. 2015; Maikhuri et the (i) anthropogenic pressure due to the extent of
al. 2017). This region continues to see recurring collection from the wild habitat, (ii) people perception
interruptions as people remove vegetation biomass pertaining to density demission, and, (iii) present
for use as medicine, fuel, fodder, timber, agricultural threat status and major causes responsible for

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vulnerability in the Garhwal

Himalaya.

2 Material and Methods

2.1 Species description

P. emodi is a perennial glabrous

herb that grows 50-70 cm high and
has biternate or ternate, pale lamina
leaves (Rawat et al. 2010).
Flowering and fruiting occur
between May and August for this
species. The flowers are solitary,
axillary, white and arranged on
shoots. Flowers are mostly Fig. 1 Map showing locations of survey in Garhwal Himalaya.
bracteates with sub orbicular sepals
and obovate petals. The fruit is an ovoid follicle with a meetings with village heads (Gram Pradhan), the
lobose containing 5-7 black colored seeds (Joshi et al. population and family data for each village was
2017). The pollens are tricolporate, monod, and recorded, and the figures were checked and validated
circular from a polar point of view, whereas they are against (Census 2011) data for Uttarakhand (Table 1).
perprolate from an equatorial point of view (Ahmed These selected sites are potential sources of various
2008). With the help of traditional herbal healers in Medicinal and Aromatic Plant species (MAPs)
each village, the species and local name of the plants including P. emodi around. The vegetation of the
were identified and documented, and this information study areas varies with altitude and climatic
was then verified by experienced plant taxonomists. conditions; tropical deciduous mixed forest in the
We preserved a voucher specimen according to lower elevation, temperate forest in the middle,
standard herbarium methods and submitted it to coniferous to subalpine to the alpine forest at the
Botanical Survey of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, higher elevation. The primary occupation of the rural
which has accession number 118052 (BSI/NRC- community in these regions is agriculture, and they
Tech/Herb/ have developed several indigenous and traditional
Ident./2017-18). farming techniques (crop rotation, mixed cropping,
organic farming) to conserve and sustain the unique
crop varieties that eventually provide survival security
2.2 Study site
for the inhabitants. In addition to providing farmyard
An extensive survey was carried out in selected manure, animal husbandry plays an important role in
villages of four districts under Garhwal Himalaya, i.e. the development of agricultural land.
Gangad, Dhatmeer, Taluka, Sankari (Har-ki-Dun),
Doni, Satta, Hurri, Bhukki, Jhalla, Salang, Baghori, 2.3 Approaches and method of data collection
Tihar, Purali (Uttarkashi District); Ghuttu, Gangi,
Mendu Sindhwalgaon, Veena Bheelam (Tehri With the prior consent of the villages, village
Garhwal District); Triyuginarayan, Pothivasa, meetings and general interactions were conducted.
Randhar Bangar (Rudraprayag District); Gwaldam, About 45% of the inhabitants, including local people
Ghesh and Talwadi (Chamoli district) during the year and herbal practitioners (Vaidhyas or Dais) of each
of 2018-2019. The study area is located at an village were interviewed (Fig. 2), following an earlier
altitudinal gradient of 1800 to 2800 m asl (Fig. 1). In study (Negi et al. 2018). The informants/participants
the study area, annual mean temperatures range from were of different age groups. Information regarding
-24°C to 23°C, and precipitation ranges from 490 mm plant parts used, the purpose of collection (for self or
to 2300 mm (WorldClim 2019). Based on personal commercial use), commutes for collection (before/

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Table 1 Demographic profile of the study sites (N=23) and extent of the collection (kg/capita/season) in Garhwal
Himalaya
Total No. of Average Forest cover Agricultural Collected quantity
S. No. Village
population households family size (ha) area (ha) (kg/capita/season)
1 Sankari 764 162 4.7 332.0 57.2 91.60±3.12
2 Taluka 234 65 3.6 90.0 52.6 53.27±2.73
3 Dhatmeer 809 192 4.2 199.8 40.2 74.53±1.76
4 Gangad 535 108 5.0 61.4 35.6 95.87±2.86
5 Doni 721 121 6.0 238.0 130.1 60.13±1.82
6 Satta 596 105 5.7 247.2 129.6 45.33±2.23
7 Bhangeli 274 52 5.3 284.3 103.5 81.40±2.50
8 Hurri 313 69 4.5 259.9 114.2 36.07±2.56
9 Bhukki 154 36 4.3 87.6 27.3 81.27±3.09
10 Salang 432 94 4.6 392.3 128.4 102.67±3.88
11 Tihar 459 102 4.5 403.8 164.0 25.53±2.58
12 Purali 253 56 4.5 178.7 53.1 39.87±3.06
13 Barsu 469 98 4.8 145.8 49.8 107.07±1.91
14 Gangi 386 112 3.4 166.9 58.5 114.27±2.10
15 Ghuttu 539 135 4.0 82.3 42.4 120.53±2.58
16 Mendu, Sindhwal 487 98 5.0 188.8 84.5 83.40±1.69
17 Veena bheelam 216 78 2.8 53.2 12.6 96.13±1.44
18 Triyuginarayan 1360 256 5.3 389.8 29.6 140.27±3.28
19 Pothivasa 510 125 4.1 160.0 50.5 136.40±2.07
20 Randhar Bangar 466 119 3.9 118.1 32.2 124.87±1.46
21 Gwaldam 920 176 5.2 264.6 36.3 114.67±1.99
22 Talwadi 655 127 5.2 167.4 69.4 91.60±1.55
23 Ghesh 702 216 3.3 208.0 129.9 132.13±1.34

present), collection pattern and factors affecting the the species following Uniyal et al. (2011) and Pandey
density (people perception) of targeted species were et al. (2018). The final score was revealed the different
recorded. A semi-structured questionnaire was threat categories I; II; III and IV with the score, ≥25;
developed in English and Hindi, however, interviews 20–24; 15–19 and <15, respectively (category I being
were conducted in the local dialect (Garhwali) to the most threatened and category IV the least).
document better information. On the basis of the
number of people in each household, in each village, 2.5 Data analysis
the estimation of the actual quantity of collection for
P. emodi was recorded through personal interaction Field data were collected using semi-structured
with family members and direct observations in the questionnaires and information gathered through
habitats by adopting a weight survey method (Martin direct observation while making frequent field visits
1995; Negi and Maikhuri 2016) using spring balance and secondary literature survey including different
(Ajax Scientific spring balance). Fresh collection published research articles, were presented
amount (in kg) was determined on the basis of family descriptively. The values were calculated and
size and later converted into a per capita basis. Due to represented as the mean ± SE by using IBM-SPSS
the specific harvesting period of about 45 days, software (version 16.0). The analyzed data described
further, the unit per capita was changed into a statistically including the use of tables and graphs.
seasonal basis (kg/capita/season) for each village.

3 Results
2.4 Threat assessment
3.1 Demographic features of the villages and
Rapid Vulnerability Assessment (Cunningham respondents
1996) was carried out for the assessment of threats on
P. emodi due to over extraction and consumption. For The demographic features of the surveyed areas
the assessment of RVA we used a total of twelve threat are shown in Table 1. Maximum number of
criteria based on the current exploitation and used of population (Np) was shown by Triyuginarayan village

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(Np=1360) having highest number of families (Nf) (26 male and 7 female) were personally interviewed.
(Nf=256) followed by Gwaldam (Np=920; Nf=176), Maximum (29.74%) percentages of participants were
Dhatmeer (Np=809; Nf=192), Sankari (Np=772; found between 50 and 59 aged group, while minimum
Nf=130), Doni (Np=721; Nf=121), Ghesh (Np=702; Nf (2.59%) from 80 and above age.
=216), Talwadi (Np=655; Nf =127) and so on. Average
family size was recorded highest for the Doni village 3.2 Plant part used
(6.0/household) while lowest for Veena bheelam
(2.8/household). Under these villages (N=23) a total The plant was collected for many purposes like
of 464 people (370 male, 94 female) were surveyed to edible, medicinal and commercial by local people of
collect the information. In addition to this, traditional different study areas. In this order, most frequent
healers (local Vaidhyas or Daai) and old aged people usable part of P. emodi was leaf (100%) followed by

Fig. 2 (A-B) Consent meetings and group discussion with villagers, (C-D) Personal interaction with local Vaidhyas or
Dai, (E-F) Questionnaire form filled by participants.

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stem (95.65%), seed (26.09%), root (21.74%) and medicinal purposes (100%) and edible purposes
flower (13.04%) (Fig. 3). (100%). This plant was used by many villages,
especially those in Chamoli district, to make Rayata (a
100
90 mixture of curd, salt, spices, and plant parts). The
80 plant is used ethnobotanically for treating 14 different
70
60 types of problematic ailments such as dysentery, fever,
Use (%)

50 diabetes, stomach disorders, vermifuge, joint pain,

40
30 and bone fracture, etc. Moreover, the plant is
20 harvested for extraction (juice) preparation (26.32%)
10
0 that is used to cure children's twitching problems.
Leaf Stem Seed Root Flower During the absence of conventional forest litter (such
Pla nt Part as oaks and pines), about 13.04 percent of villages
Fig. 3 Part wise use of P. emodi by people under collected the plant for animal bedding.
surveyed villages. Triyuginarayan and Pothivasa in the Kedar valley are
two villages where people make pickle to increase
3.3 Extent of collection their economic status with a very low percentage
(8.70%).
The study revealed that a large amount of P.
emodi is harvested from natural habitats due to its 3.5 People’s perception on commutes for
multipurpose use. As a result of the satisfactory use- collection and population availability
value of the plant, the quantity collected
(kg/capita/season) varied for different villages. It was Local people (78.26%) perceive that the distance
investigated that the maximum collection for P. emodi for collecting P. emodi has increased compared to the
was recorded from Triyuginarayan and Pothivasa past, and they are currently collecting it from 2-3 km
villages in Kedar valley (140.27±3.28 and away while 21.74% deny the proximity change and
136.40±2.07, respectively) followed by Ghesh continue to collect it from the same area over a period
(132.13±1.34), while the minimum (25.53±2.58) is of 10 years. In contrast, on the basis of people's
from Tihar village (Fig. 4). perception, 73.91% of respondents concurred that
availability was low as compared to the past, whereas
3.4 Purpose of collection 26.09 % denied it. The majority of respondents
(78.26%) opined overexploitation of P. emodi for low
According to formal and informal discussions availability, followed by trampling by animals
with local people, P. emodi is mostly used for (69.57%), climate change in terms of temperature and

Fig. 4 Extent of collection (kg/capita/season) for P. emodi from different surveyed villages.

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rainfall fluctuations (60.87%), and habitat indicating a threat to degree of vulnerability (Table 3).
disturbances (26.09%) (Table 2).

4 Discussions
3.6 Threat assessment

Taking in consideration of the ecological and Natural resources form the basis of livelihood for
economic importance of P. emodi, a rapid many mountain communities (Tiwari and Joshi 2015).
vulnerability assessment was conducted. Out of the 12 Their dependence is primarily related to meeting their
factors (F=12) used to determine the vulnerability of needs for fuelwood, fodder, medicinal uses, fruits, and
species, the highest score value (3) was awarded to other edible products (Maren et al. 2014; Dhyani and
the seasonable harvesting of plants, followed by Dhyani 2016). Current unsustainable resource
habitat specificity, part used, growth rate, response to extraction practices are reducing the productivity of
harvesting, traditional conservation practices, forests, which will eventually lead to the loss of forest
substitutes, and patterns of selection and use (both resources in the near future (Pandey et al. 2014;
scores=2), and the remaining factors such as life form, Behera et al. 2016). In the present study, the degree of
abundance and distribution, lack of demand, and anthropogenic pressure on P. emodi (Chandra) in its
commercialization attain the lowest score value (1). habitats across the Garhwal Himalayan region was
Literature review and present survey in different assessed. The study also revealed that leaves (100%)
villages of Garhwal regions led to the RVA (total=21) and stems (95.65%) were the most popular parts of P.
for P. emodi to be classified under category II, which emodi harvested before the tenure stage for vegetable
is on the intermediate side of the RVA index, preparation and other purposes due to their ease of

Table 2 People’s perception (n=464) on anthropogenic pressure and species declination for P. emodi under different
surveyed villages
Commutes for
Usable Factors for low density Purpose of collection
Village surveyed collection (Km)
part
Before Present OE TA CC HD E M AB C
Sankari Lf, St 1 to 2 3 to 4 + + + - + + - -
Taluka Lf, St, Fl <1 >2 + + - - + + - -
Lf, St, Sd,
Dhatmeer <1 >1 - - - + + + - -
Fl
Gangad Lf, St 1 to 2 2 to 4 + + + - + + - -
Doni Lf, St, Rt 2 to 3 2 to 3 + - - + + + - -
Satta Lf, St 2.5 to 3 3 to 4 - + + - + + - -
Bhangeli Lf, St, Sd <2 2 to 3 + + - - + + - -
Hurri Lf, St <1 <1 + + + - + + - -
Bhukki Lf, St, Sd 1 to 2 2 to 4 + + + - + + - -
Salang Lf, St 3 to 4 4 to 6 - - - + + + - -
Tihar Lf, St 2 to 3 2 to 3 + + + - + + - -
Purali Lf, St, Sd <3 3 to 5 - - - + + + - -
Barsu Lf, St 2 to 3 >3 + - + + + + - -
Gangi Lf, Fl, St 1 to 2 2 to 3 + + + - + + - -
Ghuttu Rt, Lf, St 3 to 5 >5 + + + - + + - -
Mendu, Sindwalgaon Lf, St 2 to 3 3 to 6 + - + - + + - -
Veena bheelam Rt, Lf, St 2 to 4 <4 + + - - + + - -
Triyuginarayan Lf, St, Rt 2 to 3 4 to 7 + + + - + + - -
Pothivasa Lf, St 3 to 4 5 to 7 + + + - + + - +
Randhar Bangar Lf, St, Sd 4 to 5 5 to 6 + + + - + + - -
Gwaldam Lf, St 5 to 7 5 to 7 - - - + + + + -
Talwadi Lf, St 2 to 4 3 to 6 + + - - + + + -
Ghesh Lf, St, Fl <2 >3 + + + - + + + -
Total villages( N=23) 78.26 69.57 60.87 26.09 100.00 100.00 13.04 8.70
Notes: Lf=Leaf, St= Stem, Rt= Root, Sd= Seeds, Fl= Flower, OE= Over extraction, TA= Trampling by animals, CC=
Climate change, HD= Habitat disturbance, E= Edible, M= Medicinal, AB= Animal bedding, C= Commercial, + =
Response Yes, - = Response No.

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Table 3 Rapid vulnerability assessment for Paeonia emodi in Garhwal Himalaya

Factors influencing a medicinal plant’s Score Score
Remarks specific to Paeonia emodi
vulnerability (0–3) (%)
1. Life form: Slow- versus fast-growing, Regeneration poor through seeds but good
1 4.76
regeneration. through rhizomes.
2. Habitat specificity: Narrow habitat
Very specific habitat. Grows only in moist and
requirements are likely to make species rarer and 2 9.52
slopes >1800 m.
more vulnerable.
3. Abundance and distribution: Abundant and
Widely distributed in Garhwal Himalaya,
widely distributed species are less vulnerable to 1 4.76
though population is in good condition.
overuse.
4. Growth rate: Slower growing species are more Comparatively good, but overuse increases
2 9.52
vulnerable to use. vulnerability.
5. Response to harvesting: The ability of a species Plant is extracted in juvenile phase before seed
to re-grow or increase its growth rate as a maturation, hence limiting the plant’s re- 2 9.52
response to harvesting affects its vulnerability. growth.
6. Parts used: Parts used significantly affect
Leaves and stems are the usable plant parts,
sustainability, eg. use of leaves has less impact on 2 9.52
sometimes root is also used.
a plant versus use of the roots or whole plant.
7. Patterns of selection and use: If a certain size,
All age and size classes of Paeonia are
age, or quality of plant is used, the remaining 2 9.52
extracted.
population may ensure the survival of the species.
8. Demand: The level of demand has a major Market demand is increasing in some regions
impact on the plant (both quantity and of the Garhwal Himalaya and enticing more 1 4.76
frequency). and more people to extract it.
Collection season extends from mid- Feb to
9. Seasonal harvesting: Demand may be reduced
Mid-March. This is also the growing period of 3 14.29
if harvesting is restricted to certain seasons.
plants in temperate areas.
10. Traditional conservation practices: Increased
Traditional conservation practices are no
demand and commercial exploitation break the 2 9.52
longer followed.
traditional conservation practices.
Through literature survey and present
11. Commercialization: Once a product moves
observation commercialization is not much but
from subsistence to commercialization, the 1 4.76
growing up in few regions of Garhwal
chances of unsustainable use increase.
Himalaya.
12. Substitute: The availability of substitutes
affects species vulnerability indirectly by reducing Substitute of the plant is not available. 2 9.52
demand.
Total vulnerability score 21 100.00
Notes: 0 = lowest vulnerability score; 3 = highest vulnerability score.

removal, while root, seeds, and floral parts were of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Himalaya in
collected after maturity. Uttarakhand. Similarly, Uniyal et al. (2011) conducted
Present observations with respect to extent of a study for the commercial extraction of Picrorhiza
collection through weight survey method in each kurrooa and investigated that collectors gathered
household and personal/group meetings with 5.2±0.37 kg/day (individually) in Western Himalaya.
inhabitants, it was indicated that highest collection Traditionally, the plant is consumed as vegetable
was recorded from Triyuginarayan, Pothivasa, Ghesh, preparation (fresh) and chunks preparation (dry) for
Randhar Bangar, Ghuttu, Gwaldam, Gangi and Barsu the winter seasons. There are many villages in the
villages (140.27±3.28, 136.40±2.07, 132.13±1.34, Chamoli district that use this plant for making
124.87±1.46, 120.53±2.58, 114.67±1.99, 114.27±2.10 'Rayata' (Joshi et al. 2018). Due to the wide range of
and 107.07±1.91 kg/capita/season, respectively) while ethnomedicinal properties reported in the present
Purali, Hurri and Tihar villages (in Gangotri valley) study, the plant has been used since long ago to
harvested low amount as compared to others. The overcome up to 14 different kinds of ailments
high quantum of collection may be due to the largely including fever, cold, stomach disorders, and bone
dependency of local inhabitants on plants. Negi and fractures. It is currently used to decrease the diabetic
Maikhuri (2016) reported the high collection level (Joshi et al. 2018). As reported in previous
percentage (28%) of P. emodi by the local community studies (Kumar et al. 2013; Bhatia et al. 2015; Negi et

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J. Mt. Sci. (2023) 20(3): 810-820

al. 2018), the traditional method of preparing herbal reasons, including over-extraction (78.26%), animal
medicine includes infusions, decoctions, extracts and trampling (69.57%), and haphazard development
powders. Thus, a large quantity of plant samples (leaf, (26.09%) (Table 2). Similarly, previous studies from
stem, root/rhizome, seed and flower) is required to various parts of Garhwal Himalaya reported that the
make these herbal formulations, ultimately affecting P. population of P. emodi was being vanished due to
emodi habitats. Also, commercialization (8.70%) of nomadic overgrazing and trampling by animal
this plant is being initiated in a few regions (i.e. activities in the natural habitats (Semwal et al. 2007;
Triyuginarayan and Pothivasa in Kedar valley) of Hamilton 2008). As a result, livestock trampling
Garhwal Himalaya for the production of pickles and causes soil loss, which harms ground flora and
other cost-benefit bio-prospecting products (chunks, impedes the regeneration of dominant tree species in
juice extract, etc.). At present, locals sell one kilogram their habitats (Malik et al. 2016).
of pickle for 150-160 rupees (Joshi et al. 2018). In A rapid vulnerability assessment was conducted
spite of the high international market demand for P. to determine the threats to P. emodi in the Garhwal
emodi (trade name Ud-sleeb) from wild sources, the Himalayan region (under selected villages, N=23).
global market price was estimated to be 2.3 US$/kg For P. emodi, the RVA score (total=21) indicates a
(Adnan and Hölscher 2012). However, this increased threat to the degree of vulnerability, which is
demand and supply of P. emodi will uphold illegal and categorized under category II. Seasonal harvesting
unsustainable harvesting from the wild, which is (14.29%) was ranked as the major threat factor to the
likely to contribute to the decline in abundance. A targeted species, while other factors such as part use,
similar trend was also cited for Himalayan medicinal life form, growth rate, response to harvesting,
plants species due to high demand and illegal traditional conservation practices, substitute of the
extraction, putting the species at risk of various plant, abundance and distribution, lack of demand
degrees of extinction (Uniyal et al. 2011; Negi et al. and commercialization, patterns of selection and use
2018). As a result of the use of species for animal ranked between 4.76% and 9.52% threat in the
bedding when forest litter is unavailable (though Garhwal Himalayan region (Table 3). Due to its high
traditionally oak and pine species have been used), in medicinal value, illegal trade, overexploitation, and
some studied areas (13.04%) habitats are being lost lack of effort put into commercial cultivation, this
since over-collection of plants for animals bedding species is facing severe threats to its sustainability
and organic farming is reducing the forests plant (Sevim et al. 2013). Due to its low density and
density (Tariq et al. 2016). localized distribution, this species is on the verge of
Among the surveyed respondents, 78.26% agreed endangerment and needs to be conserved. The species
that population depletion was the most apparent is therefore threatened by unsustainable harvesting
within nearby areas as compared to the past, and for local consumption, medicinal and commercial
many people now travel 2-3 Km more distance from purposes, as well as by livestock trampling in the
their villages to collect P. emodi. A similar report was natural habitat.
compiled for Trillium govanianum species in Indian
Himalaya by Chauhan et al. (2018). Nevertheless,
21.74% of people were denied because they had been 5 Conclusions and Recommendations
collecting Paeonia plants from the same location for
over 5 years. There is evidence that the proximity of This study demonstrates the dependence of local
this plant to an inhabitant's shelter may reduce the populations on P. emodi, which is facing threats to its
plant's availability due to its widespread and excessive survival in the Himalayan regions. The extensive and
consumption, ultimately causing habitat disturbance. unsustainable harvesting of different parts of the
The comparatively low density and localized plant before maturity may curtail the regeneration
distribution, reveals that this species is on the edge of process, thereby reducing the population size. It may
threat status (Rawat et al. 2010). According to be possible to meet the requirements of raw material
people's perception, about 73.91% of them believe for commercial and household purposes through
that the density of P. emodi around the surveyed agro-production techniques in the near future and
villages has declined in recent years. The respondents reduce the pressure on the existing population. For
indicate that habitat loss occurs for a variety of the first time, this study provides a vulnerability score

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 J. Mt. Sci. (2023) 20(3): 810-820

on threat assessment for this plant which will help to supporting the species for future utilization.
possible measurements to be taken for long term
sustainability of the species in natural habitat. The Acknowledgements
RVA provides a vulnerability score on threat
assessment for plants and aids policymakers in
developing conservation strategies and management The authors are thankful to the Director, G B
protocols for species sustainability. Through the Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment,
active participation of village communities, various Almora, Uttarakhand and Department of Botany,
NGOs, forest departments, and other self-help groups, M.B.G.P.G. College, Haldwani, Nainital
awareness regarding sustainable utilization and (Uttarakhand), for providing facilities to undertake
limited extraction of P. emodi from the natural this work. The authors are thankful to the people of
habitats can be promoted through training and different villages of study sites in Garhwal regions for
extension programs. There is an urgent need to providing and sharing valuable information as well as
develop a strategy and action plan for maintaining the cooperation during the survey.
habitats and ensuring their sustainability in

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