Indigenous knowledge and the conservation role of rakhals in the semi-arid zone of Gujarat, India

This study examines the complex interplay between indigenous knowledge systems and biodiversity protection in the desert region of Kachchh, Gujarat, India. This research examines five community-managed protected areas, referred to as Rakhals, documenting the ethnobotanical knowledge of local populations and assessing plant variety through qualitative insights and quantitative indices. Extensive research conducted from 2020 to 2023, involving semi-structured interviews with 45 informants from various tribal groups, produced data on 103 plant taxa, emphasizing their medicinal, fodder, timber, and ornamental applications. Prominent species including Azadirachta indica, Cocos nucifera, Acacia nilotica , and Prosopis juliflora exhibited the greatest cultural and practical significance. The high values of Cultural Importance index and Use Value index indicate foundational roles of these plants in sustaining both cultural traditions and practical livelihoods. Diversity indices, such as Shannon, Simpson, Margalef, and Pielou, indicated elevated species richness and equitable distribution, especially in Vanothi Rakhal. Correlation analysis demonstrated robust relationships among ethnobotanical indicators, including Use Report, Cultural Importance, and Use Value, highlighting the socio-ecological relevance of the recorded flora. Rakhal-based community conservation emerges as a robust and replicable strategy that integrates indigenous knowledge with biodiversity protection, enabling the restoration of Rare, Endangered, and Threatened (RET) taxa while promoting sustainable resource management, local stewardship, cultural preservation, and social equity through active engagement of underrepresented groups and a strong emphasis on cultural valuation. • 103 plant taxa identified through ethnobotanical surveys, highlighting their traditional uses and cultural importance. • Azadirachta indica, Cocos nucifera, Acacia nilotica , and Prosopis juliflora ranked as the most valuable species. • Vanothi Rakhal stands out as the most species-rich and ecologically balanced study site. • Positive correlations among ethnobotanical indices indicate interlinked cultural and utilitarian plant values. • The study emphasizes the conservation potential of community-managed Rakhals and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in biodiversity management.