Ethnobotanical knowledge of local communities of Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan

Abstract

This paper discusses the ethnobotanical knowledge of the three ethnic groups, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">viz</i>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Sharchogpa</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Zalakha</i> speaking people and the Bhutanese of Tibetan origin, that inhabit the wildlife sanctuary. Of the 165 ethnobotanical species used by the communities, 67 are used for treating different diseases while 98 are used for <span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">woodcrafts, handicraft, vegetables, fodder, fibres, dying clothes and making tea, etc. <span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;mso-fareast-language: EN-IN">Ericaceae with 16 species was found to be the most used plant family. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">Ophiocordyceps sinensis</span></i> [<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Berk.] <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Sacc.<span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">, was found next most useful to locals as the main source of cash income for the upland dwellers.

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