Abstract

The people of far-flung rural areas still depend to a large extent upon plants and household remedies for curing veterinary ailments. The folk knowledge of ethnoveterinary medicine and its significance has been identified by the traditional communities through a process of experience over hundreds of years. Present study elucidate traditional knowledge related to the use of plants for ethno-veterinary purposes in Kumaun Himalaya. Field surveys were conducted in eight tribal villages: four in Almora District (Dharanaula, Duugalkhola, Bukh, and Maal Gaon) and four in Bageshwar District (Garser, Matena, Kaneri, and Tanikhet). Data collection involved interactions with local informants, notably experienced elderly medicine practitioners and Vaidyas, who provided detailed insights into the medicinal plants utilized in livestock healthcare. A total of 60 ethno-veterinary plants, belonging to 39 botanical families, were identified. The Poaceae family was the most prominent, represented by five species, followed by Solanaceae, with four species. Leaves were identified as the most commonly used plant part in remedy preparation, followed by seeds, roots, and whole plant. These plants address a range of livestock ailments, including fever, pain, sprains, gastric issues, cuts and wounds, mastitis, and joint pain. The findings underscore the importance of preserving this rich traditional knowledge and the associated plant biodiversity. Active community participation is vital for conserving these resources and ensuring their sustainable use for future generations.