ETHNOBOTANICAL CONSERVATION STATUS OF MARGALLA HILLS NATIONAL PARK, ISLAMABAD

This paper is based on the results of an ethnobotanical research project conducted in Margalla Hills National Park, which has faced several constraints in achieving the objectives of conservation of the natural environment since its establishment. The inhabitants of the park have always used medicinal plants for various ailments and have for a long time been dependent on surrounding plant resources for their food, shelter, fodder, health care and other cultural purposes. However, encroaching industrialisation and the accompanying changes in their life styles are responsible for the decrease of practice in the local use of plants for medicine. It is, therefore, felt worthwhile to record the native uses of these plants before the information is lost. About 100 informants were interviewed in this regard. Asparagus adescendens Roxb., Berberis lycium Royle and Viola canescence Wall. ex Roxb. are found vulnerable to harvesting. Acacia modesta Wall., A. nilotica (L.) Delile, Buxus pipilosa C. K. Schneid. and Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq. have fuel wood pressure. while Grewia optiva Drum. ex Burret emerges as the most sustainable species as being used as fodder and for rope making.