Ethnobotanical uses of Plants in and Around Kanji Wildlife Sanctuary, North West Himalaya

Ethno botanical enumeration of plants in and around of Kanji Wildlife Sanctuary, Kargil, North West Himalaya revealed 30 non-cultivated plant species belonging to 29 genera and 23 families that are being used by the inhabitants of the area. Plant part used dominantly are aerial part (9 spp. ), followed by flowers (4 spp. ), whole plant (4 spp. ), flowers and stem (2 spp. ), fruits and stem (2 spp. ) and leaves and stem (2 spp. ). Of the 30 species, 12 species are used as fodder, 7 species as fuel, 5 species as vegetable, 15 species for medicinal purpose while 17 species are being used for miscellaneous purposes. Most of the species belonged to Asteraceae (5 spp. ) followed by Fabaceae (3 spp. ) and Rosaceae (2 spp. ). A number of factors like grazing and unscientific exploitation among others have rendered the plants as threatened. The plant resources can be conserved by employing sustainable management practices involving all stakeholders, especially the local communities.