Use of GIS technique in mapping and conservation of medicinal plants – a case study in Shoolpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary, Gujarat

Abstract

(Abstract selected from presentation in National Conference on Biodiversity of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Collection, Characterization and Utilization, held at Anand, India during November 24-25, 2010)

 

 

Systematic mapping of species occurrence in a given area provides distributional pattern related to ecological parameters and their quantum of availability. It also gives an insight into the region where conservation has to be initiated. Using Arc GIS of version 9.3 and Cartalinx, distribution maps were prepared for 72 medicinal plants species of the Shoolpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary in Rajpipla East Forest Division of Narmada district in south Gujarat. Presence of tropical moist and dry deciduous mix forests makes the area a rich depository of many medicinal and other useful plants. It also forms catchments area of two major rivers, named Narmada and Karjan and two small rivers, Devganga and Tarav. Based on the parameters, like the recorded uses of medicinal plants, extent of utilization by the local inhabitants, commercial collection, rarity and threat factors, the list of 72 species was prioritized for mapping. The maps indicated not only the presence or absence of a species in a given forest compartment, but also showed the density classes for all the 72 selected species and 98 compartments. These maps will help in sustainable collection of medicinal plants, avoiding overexploitation of commercialized species. It will also help in streamlining the conservation measures such as germplasm collection and implementing suitable regeneration methods. Highlighting the significant results of our work, the paper intends to draw the attention of delegates of the seminar for undertaking such studies in other forest pockets.