Potential threats involved in the decline of some medicinal plants of Margalla Hills, Islamabad

ABSTRACT

The importance of medicinal plants and their use in research work cannot be overemphasized. Their existence is vital for the production of various drugs and curing diseases. The habitat of some medicinal plants at Margalla Hills, was studied in order to find out potential threats to these plants. Their diversity was also noted. It was observed that Carissa opaca Stapf. ex Haines and Dodonaea viscose [L.] Jacq. were the major species exploited as fire wood and grazing material. Among other factors, forest fire was monitored the most perilous one, involved in decline of these species. It is recommended that sustainable use of these natural reserves by controlled grazing and cutting would help in reducing the stress, which is an imminent problem faced by the medicinal plants of Margalla Hills