A Study On The Wild Vegetable Plants Consumed By Tribes Of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary In District Of Maharashtra, India

Wild plants and their parts mainly root, corm, stem, leaves, and sometimes whole plants are directly utilized as a seasonal cuisine. Among all, it has been directly utilized as a traditional medicine. Wild vegetables are a reviving, tasty, and inexpensive source of vitamins, minerals, and proteins for users. Some components of plants have proved to be effective in preventing or reducing the risk of certain diseases and cost of using chemical remedies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate ethnic knowledge and expertise on edible plants' nutritional and therapeutic benefits. The present study was carried out in the tribal communities of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharashtra) which itself is recognized as one of the 12 biodiversity hotspots of the world. The sanctuary includes nine tribal villages. Tribes are part of nature, they fulfill their need through wild resources. Their knowledge based upon traditional source. Consuming wild edible is food habits of people. This is an endeavor to preserve the important ethnomedical knowledge of these tribes. It also describes recommended actions for biodiversity conservation and cultivation of wild vegetables by tribes which enhance the economy of tribes rehabited in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sancutary.