ETHNOVETERINARY PERCEPTIONS OF TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN KYMORE RANGE OF VINDHYAN REGION, M.P., INDIA

Abstract

This research chronicles and quantifies ethnoveterinary knowledge practiced by tribes in the Kymore Range of Vindhyan region, Madhya Pradesh, Central India. The 2021–2022 study examined 23 tribal-dominated villages in Rewa and Satna districts residing in plateaus, escarpments, valleys, and forest edges. Field studies with 725 informants from the Gond, Kol, Baiswar, Panika, and Khairwar tribes used semi-structured interviews, transect walks, and participatory observations to obtain ethnoveterinary data. To treat cattle wounds, gastrointestinal illnesses, skeletal and muscular issues, reproductive issues, and parasite infections, 27 plant species from 18 families were described. Fabaceae dominated, followed by Meliaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae. Leaves were employed most, followed by roots, tubers, seeds, bark, and oils in pastes, decoctions, infusions, fumes, or direct feeding. Quantitative ethnobotanical indicators including Use Value (UV), Frequency of Citation (FC), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Fidelity Level (FL) assessed the species' cultural value and dependability. Vachellia nilotica and Azadirachta indica had the greatest usage values, demonstrating ethnoveterinary versatility. The greatest informant consensus was for gastrointestinal disorders, indicating healers supported treating internal parasites and diarrhea. Some species, such Soymida febrifuga, Pueraria tuberosa, and Terminalia elliptica, showed 100% fidelity, indicating their preferred usage for certain conditions. The research highlights the rich yet fragile ethnoveterinary history of the Kymore Range tribes and the urgent need to conserve, preserve, and scientifically validate it for sustainable cattle healthcare and future pharmaceutical investigation.