#threatened

Survey and documentation of threatened ethno-medicinal plants used by the different communities residing in Manipur was carried out for their diversity, distribution, threats and conservation status in Manipur. A total of 52 taxa belonging to 33 families were collected represents by Herbs 18 species, Tree 14 species, Climber and Shrubs 7 species each, Orchid by 4 species and Creeper by 2 species. Information on ethno-medicinal and ethno-botanical uses was collected from the informants at various studied sites and also by personal observations. Leaf represents the most used plant part with 9 species and 17 different modes of preparation in which the maximum was found in the decoction by 25 species. It was also recorded that 7 medicinal plants were used by majority of the communities where as others species were used only by some particular communities. The different primary health ailments used are respiratory, gastrointestinal complaints, orthopaedic problems, diabetes, dermatological problems, urology problems, snake and dog bites. The maximum species occurrence of the species was found in the elevation below 1200 metres above sea level. The major threats are over-exploitation and habitat destruction. Regarding the conservation status it was assessed that Vulnerable species (VU) is represented by 21 species, followed by Near threatened (NT) species with 20 species, Endangered (EN) by 9 species, Least Concern (LC) and Critically Endangered (CR) represented by 1 species each. The present study findings shows that immediate awareness programme is needed for all stakeholders which are directly associated with the threatened ethno-medicinal plants of Manipur.