Population density, life history traits and traditional ecological knowledge of Paris polyphylla Sm. in Dolakha, Nepal
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Botany
Abstract
A number of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are threatened because of
increasing cross border trade, habitat destruction and unsustainable harvesting. The life
of people who depend on these resources and the knowledge associated with them are
also under the threat. Paris polyphylla Sm. is one of those plants which has seen rapid
rise in its global demand and concerns are being expressed about its declining wild
populations. However, like many other medicinal plants, the data on population
parameters and performance across the distribution range are largely lacking. Despite
different studies identifying the need for recognition of the distribution pattern and
biological traits of medicinal plants to assist conservation efforts, there has been very
little empirical data and more focus has always been placed on the possibility of
discovering novel wonder drugs. Therefore, in the present study, the population density
and structure and variability in the performance of P. polyphylla between three different
populations (lower temperate, mid temperate and upper temperate) across an elevation
range (1800-3100 m asl) in Dolakha, Nepal has been assessed. The results showed that
in all the population, the density of juveniles was lower than that of vegetative and
reproductive adults. The mean density varied between 0.55 ± 0.05 and 1.4 ± 0.13
individuals/m
2
with the mid temperate population having the highest average density
and the lower temperate having the least. Among different environmental variables,
human disturbances (trampling and harvesting) and topographic parameters were the
major factors contributing to variability in density and performance of the plant. The
majority of the features were lowest in the upper temperate zone (at the highest
elevation). The persistence and growth of P. polyphylla will depend on the effectiveness
of measures adopted to control over-harvesting and premature harvesting of rhizome
and also protection of younger life stages. In addition, P. polyphylla populations must
be protected from other typical anthropogenic disturbances such as grazing and
trampling.