Ethnoveterinary Practices and Uses of Medicinal Plants in Ghar Shamozai, District Bajaur: Preserving Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Livestock Healthcare

Ghar Shamozai, a notable area of District Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is characterized by its mountainous terrain, fertile valleys, and rich cultural traditions. The present study was conducted to document and analyze the indigenous ethnoveterinary knowledge of medicinal plants used by the local communities of Ghar Shamozai for livestock healthcare. Field surveys were carried out between February 2020 and May 2021, during which plant specimens were collected mainly in flowering and fruiting stages to ensure accurate identification. Indigenous knowledge was gathered through structured questionnaires and interviews with approximately 400 native informants, ranging in age from 33 to 99 years, ensuring representation of traditional wisdom across generations. A total of 78 medicinal plant species belonging to 44 families were recorded for their use in treating various livestock ailments. Among them, Apiaceae emerged as the dominant family, with leaves being the most frequently used plant part and herbs representing the most common growth form. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices were assessed: the highest Use Value (UV) was recorded for Myrtus communis (0.97), while the lowest UV was for Verbena officinalis (0.44). The highest Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) was for Ammi visnaga (0.56), whereas the lowest RFC (0.10) was reported for Dalbergia sissoo and Trachyspermum ammi. Key ethnoveterinary species identified include Ammi visnaga, Berberis lyceum, Carum carvi, Eryngium biehersteinianum, Geranium wallichianum, Heracleum candicans, Lepidium didymium, Olea europaea, Paeonia emodi, Salix tetrasperma, and Verbena officinalis. Findings indicate that due to the area’s remoteness and limited access to modern veterinary services, communities rely heavily on plant-based remedies for livestock health. However, these medicinal resources are increasingly threatened by unsustainable practices such as overgrazing, fuel wood collection, and deforestation. Conservation strategies, awareness programs, and sustainable management practices are urgently needed to safeguard this valuable ethnoveterinary heritage and ensure its continuity for future generations.