Knowledge Distribution and Ethnobiology in Majhi Community of Makawanpur, Nepal

Abstract

A comprehensive survey aimed at documenting traditional medicinal practices used by Majhi ethnic community was carried out between September and December 2022 in 3 different wards of Bakaiya rural municipality. This study focuses on the traditional medicinal practices using plants and animals. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion were carried out during the visit to a total of 25 informants. A total of 32 plants and 15 animals were recorded for different therapeutic uses. The 32 plants species with 26 families, includingLamiaceaehaving the highest number (3) and Gingeberaceae, Rutaceae, Embretaceae and Fabaceae having (2) representative speciesand their use value were recorded. The 15 animal species with 15 families, such as Phasanidae, Cervidae, Columbidae with single representative speciesand their use value were recorded. It is projected that the documentation of ethnobiological knowledge will further promote the conservation, use value and bioprospecting of the biological species.