Cultural Significance and Sustainable Use of <em>Loxococcus rupicola</em> (Thw.) H. Wendl. and Drude in Sri Lanka: Implications for Conservation and Religious Practices

Loxococcus rupicola (“Ran-Dothalu”), is a nationally endangered palm species found in the southwestern rainforests, central highlands, and Knuckles regions of Sri Lanka. With a predominant Buddhist population, Ran-Dotalu holds sacred reverence among Buddhists. Thus, the present study aimed to elucidate the impact of cultural practices and religious beliefs on their conservation. Comprehensive semi-structured interviews were conducted selecting Buddhist clergy, flower collectors, and devotees(n=114), while data were also extracted from social media platforms. Our findings reveal the multifaceted role of L. rupicola within religious and cultural contexts. Notably, L.rupicola flowers emerge as offerings to the Buddha and deities as an integral component of rituals and medicine, while their seeds are being used as a substitute for the Areca nut. Despite these diverse applications, users were unaware of L.rupicola’s conservation status. Although there are legislative measures, the popularity of L. rupicola as an ornamental species triggers the over-exploitation of seedlings and saplings from natural habitats forming a threat to the population. This study underlines the urgency of aligning conservation strategies with local religious practices, emphasizing the imperative of immediate conservation measures.